Gloucester rugby players' Grand National hopes

Gloucester rugby stars Mike Tindall and James Simpson-Daniel are pinning their Aintree hopes on their horse Monbeg Dude Credit: ITV News West Country

Gloucester rugby stars Mike Tindall and James Simpson-Daniel, are hoping their horse Monbeg Dude wins the Grand National this weekend.

Mike Tyndall bought the horse by mistake with a £12,000 joke bid at an auction four years ago.

The ex-England rugby captain persuaded his Gloucester team mate James Simpson Daniel to buy a share of Monbeg Dude.

Two years ago The Dude, as he Is known, surprised everyone including his owners to win the Welsh Grand National.

And he's since run in the Gold Cup and won a race at Cheltenham in back in December.

Mike Tyndall bought Monbeg Dude as a joke but could be cashing in if the horse wins the Grand National this weekend. Credit: ITV News West Country