United fans' protest delays race

Manchester United supporters protesting against shareholders JP McManus and John Magnier delayed the start of the sixth race at Hereford yesterday.

A group of about 30, calling themselves the "Manchester Education Committee" and carrying banners declaring "Quit the horseplay Coolmore [Magnier's stud farm]" and "United not for sale", went on to the track before the 4.20, causing a 10-minute delay before security staff escorted them from the track. They chose the Jenkinsons Caterers Beginners' Chase in which the McManus-owned Majestic Moonbeam was a runner.

The group issued a statement saying: "The MEC wishes to make clear that it originally had little or no interest in the ensuing legal action between Sir Alex Ferguson and Coolmore... However, when Coolmore deliberately allow this dispute to publicly infringe upon and undermine the running of MUFC ... the MEC will resort to any means necessary in revenge."

Sandown were not planning to lay on extra security today despite the threat of disruption.