Drones have been banned from flying above Aintree racecourse during the Grand National Festival.
A temporary flight restriction zone, specifically affecting drones, has been put in place by police above the Merseyside course for the three-day race meet, which begins on Thursday.
It is believed images from drones could be used to give gamblers placing “in play” bets an unfair advantage by streaming pictures a few seconds ahead of TV broadcasters.
The no-fly zone is part of a range of measures put in place by police for the racing festival, which is attended by more than 150,000 people.
Two years ago, the famous steeplechase, held on Saturday afternoon, was delayed after animal rights protesters gained access to the course.
Chief Inspector Iain Wyke, Merseyside Police’s Grand National Festival event commander, said: “As always, our policing plans for the Grand National Festival are extensive and take into consideration land, sea and air.
“Specialist resources, made up of Merseyside Police officers and officers from regional and national teams, including air support, will be in place for the duration of the event and we are also working with partners including the local authority, other emergency services, and businesses in the community to ensure this is a safe and secure event.”
The airspace restriction will make it an offence for any unmanned aircraft to fly below 2,000 feet above sea level in the designated area between 7am on Thursday and 7pm on Saturday without the explicit permission of Merseyside Police.
Drone users flying without permission could be prosecuted and have their equipment seized and confiscated.