ANIMAL rights campaigners have held a protest at a County Durham racecourse ahead of next weekend's Grand National.

"You bet...they die" was the message to punters visiting Sedgefield Racecourse yesterday.

Members of the North-East Animal Rights Coalition and Animal Aid's regional branch displayed the banner at the stadium entrance and handed leaflets to spectators, branding racing a cruel sport.

Their action was part of an annual campaign by Animal Aid against horse racing, particularly the Grand National, in the run-up to next month's Aintree three-day meet.

Spokeswoman Diane Sanderson said: "Racing horses are treated as commodities, not as sentient beings.

"People justify racing saying 'horses like to run' but they cannot enjoy running at that speed, with a person on their back, while being whipped.

"Some are subjected to cruel mutilations to increase their output and many suffer terrible injuries during events.

"We're also extremely concerned about the fate of horses that don't make the grade or are retired, they don't all find nice new homes but instead can end up in pet food or on a French dinner plate."

Protestors were pleasantly surprised with the response of some race-goers, who offered donations towards publicising the cause and willingly took leaflets.

Ms Sanderson said: "If people have the facts they may think twice about betting on horse racing which keeps the industry going."

Jim Allen, general manager of the course, said: "The protestors were peaceful and are entitled to express their opinions.

"Horse welfare is governed by the Jockey Club and we have three veterinary surgeons and race ambulances on site, I'm confident that we are doing everything possible to look after racehorses, which are the most cared for animals in the world."