MORE than £11,500 in prize money won by Gud Day, The People’s Horse and former Wilts & Glos Standard columnist, has been donated to the Homing Ex-Racehorses Organisation Scheme (HEROS).

Gloucester and former England rugby player, James Simpson-Daniel – part-owner of Welsh National winner Monbeg Dude - joined Gud Day and his Fossebridge-based trainer Fergal O’Brien to present a cheque for the sum of £11,801 to HEROS on behalf of the racing club.

The People’s Horse project, run by Great British Racing, provides the opportunity to ‘try before you buy’ to people who might like to get involved in racehorse ownership. The club offers members the chance to go to the races as owners for the day and to get behind-the-scenes access to Gud Day at the stables. The club donates all prize money that Gud Day wins throughout the season to a charity of his supporters’ choice each year.

Highlights of Gud Day’s season included winning his first novices handicap chase at Perth in September and then finishing fourth in a Class 2 novices' chase at Cheltenham in October.

James Simpson-Daniel said; “It’s fantastic that The People’s Horse has won so much money this season. I’m really proud to be a part of such a worthwhile project."

Trainer of Gud Day, Fergal O’Brien, said; “Gud Day has been so consistent this season, he’s been a pleasure to train. It’s great to see so many people turn up to racecourses across the country to support him, he’s a real favourite. Even better, he’s been able to raise lots of money for HEROS which will no doubt be a real help to them and the work they do to find new homes for ex-racehorses.”

Grace Muir, founder of HEROS, said “Without key supporters such as The People’s Horse our charity would struggle to help the high demand of horses which leave the racing industry each year, so for everyone who follows and continues to encourage HEROS hard work we cannot emphasise our thanks and admiration.”