Darts champions Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting are swapping the oche for the turf as they step into the world of thoroughbred racing by acquiring a share in a horse called Bunting Mental. The colt, which will be prepared for competition by trainer Hugo Palmer, already boasts a pedigree of high‑profile owners and a lineage that ties back to the sport of darts. Palmer is well‑versed in handling celebrity investors; he previously guided Seagulls Eleven to a series of victories for a consortium of footballers that includes James Milner of Brighton & Hove Albion and former England forward Danny Welbeck. Adding to the star‑studded roster, former England football legend and avid racing enthusiast Michael Owen also sits on the horse’s ownership panel.
The latest development sees the reigning world darts champion joining forces with Bunting and Owen, creating a quartet of owners that spans three major sports. Littler, who was spotted enjoying the atmosphere at the Cheltenham Festival earlier this year, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that the collaboration brings together a unique blend of talent and passion.
The horse’s name, Bunting Mental, is a playful nod to the darts community, keeping the thematic link alive while the animal prepares for its future racing campaign. In a recent interview, Palmer highlighted the excitement of working with such a diverse group of owners. “It’s fantastic to have people from different corners of the sporting world involved with us,” he said.
“It adds an extra layer of interest when the horses line up at the start. Of course, their presence won’t magically make the horses faster, but it certainly makes the whole experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.” He went on to describe Bunting Mental as a sizable and well‑balanced bay, noting that the colt is sired by Ardad, a stallion known for passing on stamina and a good turn of foot. “We’ve been pleased with everything we’ve seen so far,” Palmer added, “but we don’t expect to see him race until the summer months, giving him ample time to mature and develop.” The involvement of Littler and Bunting reflects a growing trend of athletes diversifying their portfolios by investing in horse racing, a sport that offers both excitement and the potential for significant returns.
Their entry into the ownership group also underscores the increasing crossover appeal of racing, where fans of darts, football, and other disciplines are drawn to the drama and tradition of the track. While the partnership is still in its early stages, the owners have already begun communicating through modern channels. Littler mentioned that his primary contact with the training team has been via WhatsApp, a platform that allows quick updates and instant feedback. “They’re very enthusiastic and fully on board with the whole journey,” he said, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that defines the venture.
Looking ahead, Bunting Mental’s schedule will likely include a series of maiden races before stepping up to more competitive fixtures. The summer racing calendar offers a range of opportunities, from mid‑distance handicaps to potential entries in listed stakes, depending on the colt’s progression.
Should the horse continue to develop as expected, the owners may aim for a spot in one of the early season classics, a goal that would align with the ambitions of many high‑profile ownership groups. The broader racing community has taken note of this new ownership configuration.
Industry insiders point out that the presence of well‑known personalities can boost a horse’s public profile, attract additional sponsorship, and generate media coverage that benefits both the stable and the sport as a whole. In recent weeks, other notable figures have also announced stakes in racing, reinforcing the notion that the sport is evolving into a more inclusive arena for athletes from varied backgrounds. Beyond the immediate excitement of ownership, Littler and Bunting are also keen to use their platform to promote the sport to younger audiences. Both have substantial followings on social media, and they intend to share behind‑the‑scenes glimpses of training sessions, stable life, and race‑day experiences.
By doing so, they hope to demystify the world of racing and encourage fans of darts and football to explore the thrills of the track. In summary, the collaboration between Luke Littler, Stephen Bunting, Michael Owen and trainer Hugo Palmer represents a compelling fusion of talent across darts, football and horse racing. Their shared investment in Bunting Mental not only adds a fresh narrative to the racing season but also exemplifies how modern athletes are expanding their horizons beyond their primary disciplines. As the summer approaches, all eyes will be on the colt’s development, the owners’ enthusiasm, and the potential impact this high‑profile partnership may have on the sport’s future.
"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."