Hereford Racecourse last Friday became the focal point in the ongoing disagreement between Sir Alex Ferguson and the two Irish owners, John Magnier and JP McManus, over the stud rights of the stallion Rock of Gibraltar.

More than 30 members of an organisation calling themselves 'Manchester Education Committee' ran on to the track and delayed the start of the Beginners Chase in which Majestic Moonbeam, owned by Magnier and McManus, was due to run.

The demonstrators unfurled banners declaring 'United not for Sale' and 'Quit the horseplay Coolmore', delaying the start of the race for over 10 minutes before leaving after intervention by security staff.

It was later claimed to be the start of an orchestrated campaign against the two Irish owners and their company Cubic Expression who own over 25% of Manchester United and are involved in a high-profile dispute with the football manager.