Darts champions Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting are set to trade the oche for the turf as they step into the world of racehorse ownership, having recently acquired a promising thoroughbred called Bunting Mental. The pair will see their new equine partner trained by veteran trainer Hugo Palmer, a name well‑known for handling high‑profile sporting owners. Palmer’s stable already boasts the successful Seagulls Eleven, a horse that has performed admirably for a consortium of footballers that includes Brighton & Hove Albion’s James Milner and former Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck.
Adding to the star‑studded roster, the legendary England footballer and avid racing enthusiast Michael Owen also holds a share in the stable, further underscoring the crossover appeal of the operation. The latest addition to Palmer’s stable, Bunting Mental, is a son of the stallion Ardad. While the colt is still relatively young and will not make his racecourse debut until the summer months, the early signs are promising. Palmer describes the horse as “quite big” and “a nice horse,” noting that the team has been pleased with everything they have observed so far.
The name, a playful nod to the darts world, keeps the theme consistent with the owners’ primary sport, and it is expected to generate extra buzz whenever the horse lines up at the start gate. Littler, who was spotted enjoying the atmosphere at the Cheltenham Festival earlier this year, is joining forces not only with Bunting but also with Michael Owen in this ownership venture. The collaboration brings together talent from three different sporting disciplines—darts, football, and racing—creating a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm. According to Hugo Palmer, “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.” While the owners’ primary claim to fame lies in darts, their involvement in horse racing is more than a publicity stunt. Both Littler and Bunting have expressed genuine interest in the sport, and they have been actively communicating with Palmer and the rest of the training team. “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,” Palmer added, highlighting the collaborative spirit that underpins the partnership. The move into racing is part of a broader trend of athletes diversifying their portfolios and exploring new avenues for competition and investment. For darts players, whose careers often involve extensive travel and a demanding competition schedule, owning a racehorse offers a different kind of challenge—one that combines strategic decision‑making, patience, and a love of sport in a wholly new environment. The partnership also provides a platform for the owners to engage with a different fan base, potentially expanding their personal brands beyond the darts community.
In addition to the excitement surrounding Bunting Mental, the racing calendar is already buzzing with other noteworthy stories. Former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle is chasing Cheltenham Festival glory with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi, while at Ascot, Kalpana secured a victory over Calandagan in the prestigious King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Legendary jockey Ryan Moore was recently honored with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, reflecting his long‑standing contributions to the sport. Meanwhile, the Derby field is shaping up with Benvenuto Cellini leading a four‑horse contingent for Aidan O’Brien in the Epsom Classic, and At The Races analyst Kevin Blake offering his expert picks for Derby day.
The racing world, however, is not without its darker moments. Former jockey Levi Williams was sentenced to prison after being convicted of manslaughter in a case involving the death of a pensioner he punched outside a pub, a stark reminder of the personal responsibilities that accompany public life. Back to Littler and Bunting, the owners are keen to emphasize that their involvement is driven by genuine passion rather than mere novelty.
They plan to attend training sessions, meet the stable staff, and stay closely involved in decisions regarding the horse’s development, race placement, and long‑term strategy. Their aim is to see Bunting Mental progress from a promising youngster to a competitive racehorse capable of challenging at higher levels, potentially even targeting major sprint or middle‑distance events later in the season. The partnership also opens doors for charitable initiatives, as many owners use their platforms to raise funds for causes close to their hearts. Both Littler and Bunting have histories of supporting youth sports and mental‑health charities, and they have hinted that future races may serve as opportunities to promote these causes, blending sport with philanthropy.
In summary, the acquisition of Bunting Mental marks a significant step for darts stars Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting as they broaden their sporting horizons. Under the guidance of seasoned trainer Hugo Palmer and alongside fellow owner Michael Owen, the trio hopes to combine their competitive drive with the timeless allure of horse racing.
While the horse will not see the track until the summer, the excitement surrounding its debut is already palpable, and fans from the darts arena to the racing grandstands are eager to see how this cross‑sport collaboration unfolds.