You know that's why the show got canceled, right? PETA folks were protesting it, because they had 3 horses who have died. It wasn't because of them being abused or anything, but the PETA clan think that animals should not be used for entertainment. At least that's what I read.
As for Danny, if he has a real job, and don't wish to play, thats his decision. Regular money, should always come first. I have left tournies after winning the winners bracket, because I had to go to work. One of them was worth an extra $1000. I took the 2nd place dough and went to work like I was supposed to.
Did you ask the other player if he wanted to split first and second place money?