Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting, two of darts’ most celebrated figures, are now setting their sights on a new kind of target – the racecourse. The pair have recently become part-owners of a thoroughbred called Bunting Mental, a horse that promises to combine their competitive spirit with the excitement of flat racing.
The newly acquired colt will be placed under the care of trainer Hugo Palmer, a name that has already attracted a number of high‑profile athletes to the world of horse racing. Palmer’s résumé includes guiding Seagulls Eleven to a series of impressive victories for a syndicate that features Premier League players such as James Milner of Brighton & Hove Albion and former England striker Danny Welbeck.
Adding further star power, the stable’s landlord is none other than former England football great Michael Owen, whose passion for racing is well‑known. Now, the stable welcomes yet another champion from a different sport.
Littler, who was spotted enjoying the atmosphere at the Cheltenham Festival earlier this year, has joined forces with Bunting and Owen to co‑own the son of the stallion Ardad. The collaboration reflects a growing trend of athletes diversifying their portfolios by investing in equine talent, and it underscores the cross‑disciplinary appeal of horse racing. Speaking about the partnership, Hugo Palmer said, “It’s fantastic to have owners from such varied corners of the sporting world.
Their involvement adds a fresh narrative for the public and media when the horses line up at the start.” While Palmer was quick to note that celebrity ownership won’t magically make a horse run faster, he emphasized the genuine enjoyment that comes from seeing familiar faces cheer on their equine athletes. “It’s all good fun,” he added, noting that the horse’s name, Bunting Mental, is a playful nod to the darts community.
Palmer also offered some insight into the horse’s pedigree and physical attributes. “Bunting Mental is by Ardad, a sire known for producing sturdy, versatile runners.
This particular colt is quite a big youngster and has a pleasant temperament. We’ve been pleased with everything we’ve seen so far, although we don’t expect to see him race until the summer months.” The news arrives amid a busy period in the British racing calendar, with several high‑profile events dominating headlines. At Ascot, Kalpana edged out Calandagan in a thrilling King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes showdown, while legendary jockey Ryan Moore was recently honored with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Meanwhile, the Derby field is shaping up with Benvenuto Cellini leading a quartet of Aidan O’Brien‑trained horses for the Epsom Classic, and expert tipster Kevin Blake of At The Races offering his selections for Derby day. Off the track, the sport has also seen its share of sobering stories, such as the conviction of former jockey Levi Williams for the manslaughter of a pensioner after a barroom altercation.
In contrast, trainer Andrew Balding expressed confidence in his horse Item’s stamina ahead of the Epsom meeting, highlighting the optimism that pervades the industry. When asked about his involvement, Littler admitted his communication with the ownership group has largely been through WhatsApp messages, but he emphasized the enthusiasm that each party brings to the venture. “They’re very excited about the whole journey,” he said, adding that the collaborative spirit among the owners mirrors the camaraderie often seen in darts tournaments.
The partnership between Littler, Bunting, Owen, and Palmer exemplifies how sport can intersect in unexpected ways, creating new narratives that capture the imagination of fans across disciplines. As the horse prepares for its summer debut, the trio’s shared ambition is simple: to enjoy the ride, support a promising thoroughbred, and perhaps add another trophy to their already impressive collections – this time not on a dartboard, but on the finish line of a racecourse.