Darts champions Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting are now setting their sights on a new kind of target – the racecourse – after joining forces to purchase a thoroughbred called Bunting Mental. The pair have teamed up with trainer Hugo Palmer, a veteran who is accustomed to working with high‑profile athletes.
Palmer previously guided the horse Seagulls Eleven to notable victories for a consortium of footballers that includes Brighton & Hove Albion’s James Milner and Danny Welbeck. Adding another layer of star power, the horse’s landlord is former England football icon and avid racing enthusiast Michael Owen. The latest addition to Palmer’s stable sees the reigning darts world champion entering the ownership mix. Littler, who was spotted enjoying the excitement of the Cheltenham Festival earlier this year, is now collaborating with Bunting and Owen in a joint venture centred on the son of the stallion Ardad.
The new colt, aptly named Bunting Mental to keep the darts motif alive, has already generated buzz among the sporting community. Speaking about the eclectic group of owners, Palmer said, "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. 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’s comments highlight both the novelty and the seriousness of the project. While the celebrity involvement adds a promotional sparkle, the training regimen remains grounded in traditional racing practice. The colt’s pedigree, being sired by Ardad, suggests a blend of stamina and speed that could make him competitive in middle‑distance events.
At present, the horse is still in the early stages of development, and the team expects to bring him to the track in the summer months when he will be ready for his first public runs. Littler’s enthusiasm for the venture is evident. He told the press, "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 comment underscores the modern, digital nature of their collaboration – a quick exchange of messages that has nonetheless resulted in a substantial financial and emotional commitment to the sport of horse racing.
The partnership also reflects a broader trend of athletes diversifying their portfolios beyond their primary disciplines. Darts players, footballers, and former football greats are increasingly investing in equine assets, drawn by the allure of the sport’s heritage and the potential for lucrative returns. Michael Owen’s involvement is particularly noteworthy; his lifelong passion for racing has seen him own several successful racehorses, and his presence adds credibility and experience to the new ownership group.
From a racing perspective, Bunting Mental’s upcoming campaign will be closely watched. Hugo Palmer’s training yard has a reputation for nurturing talent, and his previous successes with celebrity‑owned horses suggest that he can balance the media attention with the rigorous demands of preparing a racehorse for competition.
The summer debut will likely be in a maiden race, where the colt will test his abilities against peers of similar age and experience. Should he perform well, connections may aim for higher‑profile fixtures such as the 2026 2000 Guineas or even a classic trial at Sandown, where recent performances by other promising horses have set a high standard. The media landscape surrounding the venture is already buzzing. Sky Sports Racing has featured related stories, including a blog by jockey Hollie Doyle that highlighted her rides on Paris Babe during the 2000 Guineas day, as well as previews of upcoming Royal Ascot trials.
Other segments have covered French Derby entrants and provided tips on flat horses to watch in 2026. These pieces illustrate how intertwined the world of horse racing has become with broader sporting narratives, and how a new ownership group featuring darts stars fits neatly into that tapestry.
In summary, Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting’s entry into racehorse ownership marks an exciting crossover between darts and thoroughbred racing. Backed by seasoned trainer Hugo Palmer and supported by football legend Michael Owen, the trio’s new colt Bunting Mental is poised to make its mark on the track. While the celebrity factor adds a layer of public interest, the ultimate success will depend on the horse’s development, training, and performance when he finally steps onto the racecourse this summer. The partnership exemplifies the modern athlete’s willingness to explore new horizons, and racing enthusiasts will be eager to see how this unique collaboration unfolds over the coming months.