Police horse who was punched after Newcastle vs Sunderland derby dies in retirement aged 21

The notorious incident involving Bud in 2013. Photo: North News & Pictures.

A ‘brave but gentle’ horse who made headlines around the world when he was infamously punched in the nose by a Newcastle United fan after a Tyne-and-Wear derby in 2013 has died.

Bud was attacked by a Toon fan when violence broke out after the game at St James’ Park where Sunderland AFC had defeated the home team 3-0 in April 2013.

The Newcastle fan’s actions were condemned around the world and he received a 12-month prison sentence.

Bud, who thankfully was unharmed in the incident, was transferred to the Metropolitan Police Mounted section in 2015 after 10 years at West Yorkshire Police.

The Bay Shire cross had given 14 years of service to the British public before he retired to The Horse Trust’s Home of Rest in the Chilterns in 2019.

His former riders described Bud as a loyal and steady horse and as soon as he arrived, everyone at The Horse Trust fell in love with him.

Sadly, Bud died from colic last week aged 21.

Jeanette Allen, chief executive officer of The Horse Trust, said, “Bud had a wonderful retirement, albeit a sadly short one after being taken from us by a fatal colic.

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“It is our privilege to care for these incredible animals later in life that along with their officers give so much to our communities and I personally made sure that Bud never saw another football scarf while he was with us!

"We just so wish we could have had him longer, such a brave but gentle boy who remarkably still loved people.”

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