No security fears at Sandown

Sandown are not planning to lay on extra security tomorrow despite the threat of disruption by Manchester United fans angered at the involvement of owners John Magnier and JP McManus in financial in-fighting at Old Trafford.

Magnier’s wife Sue owns Agfa Hurdle runner Rhinestone Cowboy – and his son, JP, will ride the Jonjo O’Neill-trained gelding.

McManus also has five runners at the track, headed by the reigning stayers’ hurdling champion Baracouda who is the hot favourite for the Tote Scoop6 Sandown Hurdle.

The Independent Manchester United Supporters’ Association have urged fans to attend race meetings where Magnier and McManus have runners “so they can leave them in no doubt about what they think of their attempts to destabilise the club”.

But Sandown clerk of the course Andrew Cooper is satisfied that security at the track is tight enough to deal with any problems should they arise.

He said: “We have taken the view that we have an adequate presence in terms of police, and our own security to handle most eventualities.

“It will be a case of taking a watching brief. We are a big course, and our security can handle most eventualities.”

Magnier and McManus have a 25.49% stake in Manchester United through their company Cubic Expression.

The threat of action on racecourses first arose on Tuesday when McManus had runners at Taunton.

But those fears proved unfounded as the meeting went ahead without any problems.