Darts champions Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting are set to trade in their usual ovals for the turf, having taken a stake in a thoroughbred called Bunting Mental. The pair will see the horse under the guidance of trainer Hugo Palmer, a name that already resonates with sporting celebrities. Palmer’s résumé includes preparing Seagulls Eleven for a series of impressive wins for a consortium of footballers that features Premier League figures such as James Milner of Brighton & Hove Albion and former Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck.
Adding further star power to the stable, the legendary England striker and avid racing enthusiast Michael Owen serves as the horse’s landlord. The latest development sees the reigning world darts champion joining the ownership circle.
Littler, who was spotted enjoying the bustle of the Cheltenham Festival earlier this year, is now partnering with Bunting and Owen in a venture that centers around a son of the stallion Ardad. The collaboration brings together three high‑profile athletes from distinct disciplines, all united by a shared fascination for the sport of horse racing. Speaking about the eclectic mix of owners, Hugo Palmer said, "It’s fantastic to have people from such varied corners of the sporting world on board. It certainly adds a layer of intrigue when the horses line up at the start.
It won’t magically make them faster, but it does make the whole experience more enjoyable. The name Bunting Mental keeps the darts connection alive, and we’re proud of that link." He went on to describe the horse in more detail: "He’s by Ardad, a solid sire, and while he’s still growing into his size, he’s already a handsome, well‑balanced animal. We’ve been pleased with every step of his development so far, although we don’t expect to see him race until the summer months." Palmer also noted the communication with the new owners: "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." This digital correspondence underscores how modern ownership groups often coordinate across distances, sharing updates, photos, and strategic decisions in real time. The involvement of darts stars in horse racing is not entirely unprecedented, but it does highlight a growing trend of athletes diversifying their portfolios beyond their primary sport. For Littler and Bunting, the venture offers an opportunity to experience the thrills of the racecourse from a new perspective, while also providing a platform to promote their personal brands to a broader audience. Their participation may also inspire other competitors from niche sports to explore similar cross‑disciplinary investments.
In the broader context of the racing calendar, several noteworthy events are taking place on Sky Sports Racing today. The channel will feature the "Seven Questions" segment and the Dyonisos contest for the Silver Trophy at Ripon. Meanwhile, at Sandown, Derby hopeful Raaheeb is set to defend his family’s legacy with a polished performance in a Classic Trial, and Opera Ballo will challenge Field Of Gold in a mile‑long showdown. In the jumps trainers' championship, Dan Skelton expressed pride in his title‑winning team, and further racing action is scheduled from Doncaster, Chepstow, and Fontwell.
Betting enthusiasts can also look out for a tip on Aventure, who is backed to outpace Daryz in the Prix Ganay showdown. The entry of Littler and Bunting into the ownership arena adds a fresh narrative to the sport, merging the precision and mental focus required in darts with the strategic planning and patience essential in horse racing.
While the horse, Bunting Mental, is still in the early stages of training, the enthusiasm of his owners suggests a long‑term commitment to nurturing his talent. As the summer approaches and the horse prepares for his debut on the track, fans of both darts and racing will be watching closely to see how this unique partnership unfolds. In summary, the collaboration between darts champions Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting, trainer Hugo Palmer, and racing aficionado Michael Owen represents a compelling convergence of talent, ambition, and entertainment.
Their joint ownership of Bunting Mental not only expands their personal horizons but also enriches the tapestry of modern horse racing, where celebrity involvement continues to draw new audiences and generate fresh excitement for the sport.