Four Extinction Rebellion members walked onto the racecourse at Royal Ascot and chained themselves to a fence on the event’s final day.

The climate activists, who appeared to be dressed as catering staff, glued themselves to a banner, reading: ‘Racing to Extinction.’

They staged the demonstration while the Queen’s horses Tactical and Light Refrain were stationary at the start line ready with the others to race in the Jersey Stakes.

Activists say they wanted to send a message to the monarch in a bid to get her to ‘use her influence to tackle the climate and ecological emergency’.

Pictures show security lifting the protesters up and taking them off the Berkshire racecourse.

Extinction Rebellion say the protest was a tribute to suffragette, Emily Davison, who died attempting to attach a flag to the King’s horse during the Epsom Derby in 1913.

Campaigners crossed the track 15 minutes before the race to make sure there was enough time for the alarm to be raised in order to prevent anyone getting hurt.

Protester Sam Smithson, 38, said: ‘I’m really sorry to be disrupting this event, but unfortunately, like suffragette Emily Davison, we have been left with no other choice, as we are running out of time in the race to tackle the climate and ecological emergency.

‘We can’t negotiate with each other or nature for more time by carbon offsetting, whilst also promoting infinite growth on a finite planet and chopping down our ancient woodlands.’

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