Gold Cup alert over protesters

Cheltenham officials are on high alert against any attempt by Fathers 4 Justice to disrupt Friday's Gold Cup.

The pressure group, notorious for daring publicity stunts, have targeted the Festival to bolster support for their campaign for improved fathers' rights.

A member of the organisation dressed up as Spider-man yesterday and handed out leaflets at a Fathers 4 Justice stall near the racecourse entrance.

It was low-key compared to previous costume-clad protests - which included one father, dressed as Batman, climbing on to the Queen's balcony at Buckingham Palace - but there are fears of their activities escalating, with Friday's showpiece an obvious target.

Fathers 4 Justice have caused chaos at a racetrack before this season when a member, dressed as Santa Claus, was arrested for invading Kempton during the running of the King George VI Chase.

Cheltenham has reassured racegoers that stringent security measures are in place. A spokesman said: "We are watching to make sure no one gets on to the track. We will be doing what we normally do to ensure public safety."