The talk at Aintree

After thwarting the IRA and animal rights demos, the latest security worry at Aintree is . . . some blokes dressed as Spiderman, Batman and Father Christmas.
Fathers 4 Justice is a pressure group designed to improve the rights of men denied access to their children. A posse of Santas caused traffic chaos by occupying the roof of a pedestrian walkway in Liverpool before Christmas. Whether they will target the National remains to be seen.

Celebrity challenge

Expect to see lots of A and B list celebrities if you make the trip to Aintree.
The Coronation Street press officer has requested tickets for several cast members, while a source indicates that "half the Everton and Liverpool teams" have been asking for badges.
The source added: "I've never known so much interest. But why footballers earning fifty grand a week can't just pay to get in is a bit strange to say the least."

A big tip for Owen

Meanwhile, if Michael Owen plans a day out then he might do well to seek a replacement tipster for Kieren Fallon.
The champion jockey told reporters that Owen phoned him every day for info. "Follow anything trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Mick Fitzgerald" was his advice for the Cheltenham Festival. But the pair drew a blank despite several fancied runners.