A man has been arrested after running onto the racecourse at the Epsom Derby.
Minutes later, a woman attempted to climb the fence but was pulled to the floor by police.
Despite pledges by activist group Animal Rising to “cancel or severely delay” the Derby, the race continued as planned shortly after the protesters were carried away.
Observers described the situation as “ludicrous” and “absolute insanity” while others thanked police for putting a stop to the protests.
It came after nineteen activists were arrested ahead of plans to disrupt the race on Saturday.
The group Animal Rising accused Surrey Police of “abusing” their powers after 19 people were arrested on Saturday morning based on intelligence received by officers.
A spokesman for the force said 11 people were arrested at addresses in Mitcham and Byfleet in the early hours and a further eight people were arrested after their vehicle was stopped on Canons Lane in Burgh Heath at around 10.20am.
It comes after activist group vowed to “cancel or severely delay” the race – despite a High Court injunction banning them from doing so.
Last week, the Jockey Club, which owns Epsom Downs, was granted the injunction against the group, claiming it had made “explicitly clear” it intended to breach security at the Surrey racecourse.
And on Friday, Surrey Police warned they “will not tolerate” risks to public safety after an Animal Rising member told Sky News she would do “what’s necessary”, including breaking the law, to protect the animals.
There was disruption at the Grand National at Aintree in April when the race was delayed by just over 10 minutes after demonstrators made their way on to the track and had to be removed by police.
In a defiant announcement following the arrests, Animal Rising said police would not stop them from disrupting the Derby.
They said: “Earlier this morning, at least 10 arrests were made by Surrey Police, allegedly in connection with the Epsom Derby.
