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Cheltenham Racecourse will review the access for walkers on racedays after a dog escaped and tried to join in with the action yesterday.

The pet was crouching on the ground as the 11 runners in the closing Citipost Handicap Hurdle headed down the hill for the final time.

Dashing after the field, he briefly drew alongside the out of contention Champers On Ice before running towards the second last jump and deciding it was too big to get over.

After some time, the pet was rounded up and returned to its owner.

Many Twitter users saw the funny side as the moment was picked up by ITV's racing commentator Richard Hoiles on TV.

However, there was a more serious side in terms of safety.

There is signage telling walkers to keep their dogs on a lead and it is understood most of the area around the course is fenced off.

The owner of the dog has apologised, racecourse officials said.

Cheltenham Racecourse has a history of welcoming dog walkers onto the private land surrounding the course, encouraging all user groups to enjoy the space.

Ian Renton, Regional Director for Cheltenham and The South West, told Gloucestershire Live everything will be done to avoid a repeat of the incident.

"We believe the dog gained access through the gate off the heli-field so we have added additional security there today to try and avoid a repeat occurrence," he said.

"We will review the access to dog walking on racedays to see if anything needs to be done."