A grouse is ruffling a few feathers on the racecourse after feeling threatened during his quest for love.

The amorous bird has been gallantly defending his territory at Low Moor yard, Middleham, North Yorkshire, and fending off rivals, including racing horses and their jockeys.

Champion trainer Ferdy Murphy is getting increasingly irritated by the red grouse's antics and hopes it will get its come-uppance in the roasting pot.

So far the bird has thrown itself at Murphy's horse High Cheviot, sending jockey David Russell to the ground, targeted amateur jockey Kelly Harrison and twice attacked trainer Jed O'Keefe.

But the 53-year-old trainer, who has four riders in next week's Cheltenham festival, is concerned that a jockey or horse will be seriously injured. He said the gamekeeper would be dealing with the situation.

Irish trainer Murphy said: "His courting rituals started about a week ago and he has marked his territory.

"He is obviously quite an old bird because, apparently, the older they are the more aggressive they get and more territory they claim. He is doing his very best to try and catch a female."

RSPB spokesman Grahame Madge said: "All birds are heading towards their season for mating and sometimes they can be quite aggressive about territory.

"But it is unusual for them to go as far as to chase off people and horses. Clearly this one is over-sexed and has testosterone levels running high."