A racehorse previously owned by former England captain Wayne Rooney has undergone surgery at a small Cumbrian animal welfare charity.
The horse, Switcharooney, ran six times for the striker before he was retired after an unspectacular racing career.
In its six races, Switcharooney was a regular at the back of the field in its career which lasted between October 2012 and August 2013.
Switcharooney, pictured, suffered a painful condition on its hoof which required surgery
Wayne Rooney and his business manager Paul Stretford gave the horse last month to the former stables manager who had cared for him for the past four years
The horse, pictured here with Rooney before its first race, is being treated at the Racecourse Rescue Centre in Cumbria, who have paid for surgery to treat the Keratoma
However, despite its disappointing form under rules, it seems Switcharooney could have a promising career after being taken in by the Racecourse Rescue Centre in Cumbria.
The animal, which had been living up until recently at a stables owned by Wayne’s business manager Paul Stretford, was then given to a member of staff who was then due to care for the horse.
However, when the horse developed a painful condition in its hoof, the new owner contacted the charity who paid for emergency surgery to take place.
The surgery could cost in the region of £2,500 according to the charity’s founder Nigel Wood.
He said the horse, which is seven years old, had developed a Keratoma, which can be incredibly painful if untreated.
The horse required treatment for a Keratoma on its hoof, file photograph, but is expected to make a full recovery
He told MailOnline: ‘We got the horse on Friday and everything has gone well. Our volunteers have to change the dressings every other day.
‘It’s going to be a slow process, but Switcharooney is still a young horse and the prognosis is very good. He has a very calm nature. He is a well-mannered horse.
‘After he has recovered, he has a great future ahead of him. We do Equine Therapy, involving people like veterans and school children to work with horses.
‘We would also hope he could be used in eventing as well in the future. Equine Therapy can help people build up their self esteem.’
Mr Wood said the charity recently was recognised by prime minister Theresa May for its good work.
‘I don’t think Wayne would be aware of what happened to Switcharooney, but he will make a full recovery.
‘We also offer free accommodation to people here in Carlisle if they want to spend a week with us working with the horses. It is very rewarding.’
A spokesman for Wayne Rooney and his business manager Paul Stretford said: ‘Switcharooney no longer belongs to Wayne and Coleen.
When his racing career ended four years ago Switcharooney was transferred – in December 2013 – to stables which were, until recently, owned by Wayne’s business manager Paul Stretford. There he was put into the care of stable manager Andy Brooks. He was lovingly cared for and all necessary veterinary and other bills were paid in full.
‘He remained there until August 2017 when the stables were sold.
‘At that point Mr Brooks asked, in recognition of his service and the special bond between him and the horse, that Switcharooney was given to him.
‘He gave full assurances that he would continue to care for him and would pay any necessary veterinary bills.
‘Neither Wayne nor Paul was aware, when the horse was gifted to Mr Brooks, that he would – within weeks – present him at a charity.’
Anyone who would like to help can contact the charity on http://www.racehorserescue.org.uk/.