Darts champions Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting are now setting their sights on a new kind of target – the racecourse – after joining the ownership group for a thoroughbred called Bunting Mental. The horse will be prepared for competition by trainer Hugo Palmer, a name that has already become familiar to sports fans for his work with celebrity owners. Palmer previously guided Seagulls Eleven to a series of impressive performances for a consortium of footballers that includes Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder James Milner and striker Danny Welbeck.
Adding to the star‑studded roster, former England football legend and avid racing enthusiast Michael Owen also holds a share in the horse. The latest development sees the reigning world darts champion, Stephen Bunting, welcomed into the partnership alongside his fellow dart‑player colleague Luke Littler. The two were spotted together at the Cheltenham Festival in March, confirming that their shared passion for darts is now extending into the world of horse racing. Their involvement brings a fresh, cross‑sport dimension to Palmer’s stable, which already boasts a mix of footballers, a former football great, and now two of the sport’s most recognizable faces from the world of darts.
Speaking about the eclectic ownership group, Palmer said, "It’s fantastic to have people from such varied corners of the sporting world joining us. It adds a different kind of intrigue when the horses line up for a race. Of course, it won’t magically make the horses faster, but it certainly makes the whole experience more enjoyable for everyone involved." He went on to explain the playful naming choice, noting that "Bunting Mental" keeps the darts theme alive, a nod to Stephen Bunting’s surname and the mental focus required in both darts and racing.
Palmer described the horse’s pedigree and physical attributes, stating, "He’s by Ardad, a well‑regarded sire, and he’s a fairly big, well‑balanced animal. Everything we’ve done with him so far has been promising, but we don’t expect to see him on the track until the summer months." This timeline gives the owners ample opportunity to become familiar with the horse’s development, attend training sessions, and perhaps even participate in some of the lighter aspects of stable life.
The partnership’s communication has largely been conducted through modern channels. Palmer mentioned, "I’ve only spoken to Luke and Stephen via WhatsApp, but they’ve been incredibly enthusiastic and genuinely excited about the whole journey.
Their energy is infectious, and I think it will translate into a great story for the horse and the sport." Their enthusiasm mirrors a broader trend of athletes from one discipline exploring ownership or investment in another, often bringing new fans to horse racing and creating cross‑promotional opportunities. Beyond the immediate excitement surrounding Bunting Mental, the news fits into a larger narrative of sports figures diversifying their portfolios.
In recent years, footballers, rugby players, and even musicians have taken stakes in racehorses, seeing it as both a hobby and a potential revenue stream. For Littler and Bunting, the venture also offers a chance to experience the camaraderie of the racing community, attend race meetings, and perhaps even apply the mental discipline they honed on the darts circuit to the strategic aspects of horse ownership.
The racing calendar is already buzzing with other events. Today on Sky Sports Racing, viewers can look forward to the Seven Questions segment and the Dyonisos contest for the Silver Trophy at Ripon.
Meanwhile, at Sandown, Derby hopeful Raaheeb delivered a classy Classic Trial performance, upholding his family’s racing legacy. In another Sandown highlight, Opera Ballo outclassed Field Of Gold in a mile‑length showdown, showcasing the depth of talent in the current generation. The jumps trainers’ championship also made headlines, with Dan Skelton expressing pride in his title‑winning team, underscoring the competitive spirit that drives the sport at every level. Additional race meetings at Doncaster, Chepstow, and Fontwell were featured on Sky Sports Racing, offering fans a full day of action across the country.
For punters, the day’s tips included a recommendation to back Aventure in the Prix Ganay showdown, a move aimed at denying Daryz a victory and highlighting the strategic betting angles that accompany each race. Overall, the entry of Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting into racehorse ownership adds a fresh storyline to the sport.
Their involvement not only brings additional media attention but also underscores the universal appeal of horse racing as a platform where athletes from diverse backgrounds can converge, share their passion for competition, and perhaps even discover a new arena in which to excel. As summer approaches and Bunting Mental prepares for his debut, fans of darts, football, and racing alike will be watching closely to see how this unique partnership unfolds on the track.