Scottish Grand National protests: 24 in court over Ayr race disruption

Nineteen of those named on the charges appeared in person at Ayr Sheriff Court on Monday, June 5.

All pleaded not guilty to causing a breach of the peace through disorderly conduct during the Scottish Grand National meeting at Ayr Racecourse on Saturday, April 22. 

Court papers allege that all 24 accused formed part of a disorderly crowd while equipped with glue, piping and other implements to secure themselves to jumps, fences or railings. 

They are due to stand trial later this year.

The start of the £200,000 race was delayed as a result of protests; when the race eventually began it was won by 4-1 favourite, Kitty’s Light.

The accused are:

Gemma Barnes, 33, of Norwich;

Miranda Courtney, 38, of Leeds;

Rose Paterson, 33, London;

Ben Newman, 32, London;

Jamie Carter, 28, Norwich;

Katrielle Chan, 21, Glasgow;

Joseph Moss, 20, Sale;

Tatum Paul, 20, Manchester;

Alexandra Dunnet, 23, London;

Thomas Foy, 24, Ripley;

Osian Dixon, 25, Wales; 

Sarah Foy, 23, Alfreton; 

Nathan McGovern, 24, London; 

Benjamin Stevenston, 23, Islington; 

Zuki Paul, 23, Reading; 

Imogen Robertson, 22, Stirling; 

Alex Hamil, 55, Bath; 

Alan Guthrie, 54, Manchester;

Jennifer D’Netto, 53, Wells; 

Robert Houston, 44, London;

Joshua Parkinson, 27, Leeds;

Joshua Lane, 26, Alfreton;

Calum Marshall, 25, Edinburgh;

Claire Smith, 25, Leeds.

All are due to return to court to face the charges at a later date. 

Sheriff Shirley Foran granted bail for all the accused who were present in court, adding a special bail condition banning them from accessing any horse racing or dog racing venues in Scotland.

Warrants were issued for the arrest of four accused who did not attend, and another court date was set for one who, the court was told, has Covid. 

Among those for whom a warrant was granted was Ms Barnes, whose solicitor told the court her client was subject to curfew bail conditions in Norwich – to which Sheriff Foran replied: “That’s in Newmarket country.”

Seven separate trial dates were set for September after not guilty pleas were entered.

‘Intermediate diet’ dates were also set down to enable the Crown and defence to update the court on whether they are ready for the case to go to trial; those accused who were represented by solicitors will not have to attend those intermediate hearings.