t day's a winner from the start

He may not have backed the Gold Cup winner, but Target boss Colin Spencer found a winning cause in race week.

Colin ran a private tipping service during the four-day festival for clients of his PR agency in Painswick Road, Cheltenham.

He also placed a charity bet every day to raise money for Gloucestershire t day charities: the Spring Centre, Star College and James Hopkins Trust.

“It was just a bit of fun,” said Colin. “There were returns of £155 so we’ve made it up to £200. I should have followed my wife’s tips – she had 11 winners!”

t day is Gloucestershire's dress-down day that raises funds to help disabled young people. This year it takes place on May 6 when supporters will pay £1 to wear a t-shirt to work or school.

“This is a great kick-start for the t day appeal,” said committee member Kate Daws.

The Spring Centre’s Vice-Chair Steve Fisher added that this year’s event is more important than ever. “We’ve suffered a £60,000 drop in funding because of spending cuts and need to raise £130,000pa to keep going. We’re living hand to mouth so getting business support is really important,” he said.

Target also did the artwork for the t day leaflet free of charge, posted it to supporters and donated race tickets for the t day auction.

Colin uses his cocker spaniel, Winston, to front up his tipping column and calls it ‘Winston’s Tips, The Dog That Nose!’. He has a part-share in a racehorse in training with Tim Vaughan and is a member at Cheltenham Racecourse.