Darts champions Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting are now turning their competitive instincts toward the world of horse racing, having taken a partnership stake in a thoroughbred called Bunting Mental. The colt will be prepared for the track by trainer Hugo Palmer, a name familiar to sports enthusiasts for his work with high‑profile athletes who have ventured into the racing sphere. Palmer previously guided Seagulls Eleven to impressive results for a consortium of footballers that includes Brighton & Hove Albion’s James Milner and Danny Welbeck.
Adding to the star‑studded roster, England football legend and avid racing fan Michael Owen also backs the operation as a landlord. The latest development sees the reigning world darts champion joining the ownership group, linking his name with Littler, who was spotted enjoying the Cheltenham Festival earlier this year, and Owen.
Together they have formed a partnership centred around the son of the sire Ardad, a horse whose pedigree promises speed and stamina. Palmer expressed his enthusiasm for the eclectic mix of owners, noting that having figures from a variety of sporting disciplines involved adds a novel layer of interest for spectators. While the presence of famous owners will not magically improve a horse’s performance, Palmer believes it creates a fun narrative that can draw new fans to the sport. "It's great having people from all different sides of the sporting arena as owners with us and it will certainly add some interest when the horses run," Palmer said.
"It's not going to make them run any faster, but it's all good fun. He's named Bunting Mental keeping on the darts theme.
He's by Ardad, but quite big and is a nice horse. We've liked everything we have done with him so far, but I don't think we'll see him until summer." Palmer also highlighted the practical aspects of the partnership, noting that communication with the new owners has largely taken place through WhatsApp messages.
"I've only spoken to them via WhatsApp, but they seem very enthusiastic and up for it. They are very excited about the whole journey," he added. The involvement of Littler and Bunting reflects a broader trend of athletes diversifying their portfolios beyond their primary sports.
Both men have achieved significant success on the darts circuit, with Littler already celebrated as a rising star and Bunting holding multiple world titles. Their decision to invest in a racehorse demonstrates a desire to explore new challenges and to experience the camaraderie and excitement that comes with horse racing.
It also provides an opportunity to leverage their public profiles to promote the sport to a wider audience, potentially attracting darts fans to the racetrack. For Hugo Palmer, the addition of such high‑profile owners is not merely a publicity boost; it also offers financial stability that can be reinvested into training facilities, veterinary care, and breeding programs. Palmer’s track record includes working with other celebrity owners, and his ability to manage the expectations of a diverse ownership group has been proven.
He understands that while the owners may not be able to influence the horse’s speed, their passion can translate into increased media coverage, sponsorship opportunities, and a heightened sense of community among fans of both darts and horse racing. Bunting Mental, the horse at the centre of this venture, is a promising youngster with a solid pedigree. Sired by Ardad, a stallion known for producing offspring with strong finishing bursts, the colt stands out for its size and conformation. Early training sessions have shown him to be cooperative and eager, traits that Palmer values highly in a racehorse destined for competitive events.
Although the horse will not make his debut until the summer, the owners are already planning a campaign that could see him entered in mid‑distance races, with the long‑term goal of targeting classic distances as he matures. The partnership also underscores the growing intersection between different sports cultures. In recent years, footballers, rugby players, and even cricket stars have taken stakes in racehorses, forming syndicates that blend financial investment with personal passion. By joining this movement, Littler and Bunting are positioning themselves within a network of athletes who view horse racing as both a hobby and a strategic business venture.
Their involvement may inspire other darts professionals to consider similar opportunities, further diversifying the ownership landscape. Beyond the immediate excitement of ownership, the collaboration offers educational value for the athletes themselves. Engaging with trainers, veterinarians, and stable staff provides insight into the complexities of equine management, from nutrition and conditioning to race strategy and injury prevention. This knowledge can be rewarding on a personal level and may even influence how they approach training and performance in their own sport.
In summary, the acquisition of Bunting Mental by Luke Littler, Stephen Bunting, and Michael Owen marks a notable convergence of darts and horse racing. Under the guidance of Hugo Palmer, the horse is expected to develop into a competitive contender, while the owners bring enthusiasm, media attention, and financial support to the venture. Their partnership exemplifies how athletes are increasingly looking beyond the confines of their primary disciplines to explore new arenas of competition and investment, enriching both their personal brand and the sports they love.