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A plot set by an infamous vegan activist group to sabotage the Grand National has been exposed just two weeks before the races were set to take place.
It has been revealed that more than 100 animal rights activists planned to storm security fences at Aintree Racecourse, before supergluing themselves together to form a human barricade that would block the course.
The secret plot bears striking resemblance to a similar sabotage, referred to as the 'race that never was' in 1993, in which 15 protestors stormed the course, delaying the start of the race by eight minutes.
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However, the conspiracy has been spoiled before it even began after an undercover journalist for the Mail on Sunday posed as a member of the Animal Rebellion group and leaked all their plans.
Leaked footage reveals a group leader discussing plans to recruit 'as many people as possible to Liverpool on April 15', adding that they would be 'booking a bunch of houses so all the activists can stay together'.
Those taking part were then told they would need to glue their hands together before sitting down to form a human barrier in a bid to 'ruin' the prestigious races.
"We have 600 million people viewing this horse race worldwide, we've got £300 million of bets on the horse race and we're just going to ruin it," another ringleader was recorded saying.
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The journalist who infiltrated the group also claimed the people involved included a top former financial journalist and a nurse, the MailOnline reports.
The Mail on Sunday has passed all of its findings onto Merseyside Police.
One woman involved in activist group, Rose Patterson, told LADbible: "This April we are launching the biggest campaign to protect animals and the climate this country has ever seen. Already over 500 people are signed up for training to take peaceful action this summer.
"One undercover Mail on Sunday reporter is not going to stop teachers, nurses, and more from acting for all life and really beginning the crucial conversation about our broken relationship with other animals.
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"This conversation is vital if we are to tackle the root causes of our climate and ecological crises.
"The Grand National is symbolic of this broken relationship. Since 2000, this event alone has killed 40 animals. Most people would say they love animals, so why are we okay with this. Whether it is for food or for sport, our relationship with animals is beyond broken.
"We're calling on everyone to join us at the Grand National to change that."
Animal Rebellion was formed in 2019 as an offshoot from Extinction Rebellion, with a mission to get all animal farming and fishing banned in the UK, as well as putting an end of horse racing, which they believe is 'animal abuse.'
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On Instagram, their bio reads: "Calling on the government to support farmers in an urgent transition to a plant-based future," alongside a heart emoji next to the words: "Climate justice and animal justice."
Last year, the group made headlines when its members raided shops, including Harrods and Fortnum & Mason, chucking cartons of milk all over the floor.
Other stunts have included protest sit-ins at high end restaurants - one of which embroiled Pierce Brosnan and his wife just last month.
It would appear the activism group's foiled Grand National plot is just one of many stunts they have planned this summer, with suggestions it would 'kick start' further protests, including Royal Ascot in June.
Emma Rosemurgey