Darts champions Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting are set to trade in their throwing darts for a new challenge on the turf, having recently become part-owners of a thoroughbred called Bunting Mental. The horse will be placed under the care of trainer Hugo Palmer, a man who is already accustomed to working with high‑profile athletes. Palmer previously guided Seagulls Eleven to a series of impressive performances for a syndicate that includes Premier League figures such as James Milner and Danny Welbeck, and the stable’s landlord is none other than former England football star and avid racing enthusiast Michael Owen.
Now the stable has added another marquee name to its roster: the reigning world darts champion. Littler, who was spotted enjoying the festivities at the Cheltenham Festival earlier this year, has joined forces with Bunting and Owen in a joint ownership venture centred on a son of the stallion Ardad. The trio’s involvement brings a fresh wave of publicity to the racing operation, linking the worlds of darts, football and horse racing in a unique partnership.
Speaking about the new 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 name Bunting Mental is a playful nod to the darts world, the horse itself is described as a substantial, well‑built animal with promising pedigree. Being a progeny of Ardad, a stallion known for passing on stamina and a strong turn of foot, the colt has the genetic tools to compete at a high level. However, Palmer cautions that the involvement of celebrity owners will not magically improve the horse’s performance; success will still depend on training, conditioning, and the right race placements.
The partnership also underscores the growing trend of athletes from non‑equine sports investing in racehorses. In recent years, footballers, cricketers and even television personalities have joined ownership syndicates, attracted by the blend of excitement, potential financial returns, and the prestige of having a name in the racing program. For Littler and Bunting, the venture offers a chance to diversify their sporting portfolios and to experience the camaraderie of the racing community, which operates on a very different rhythm compared to the fast‑paced world of professional darts.
In addition to the core ownership group, the stable’s broader network includes a host of other notable figures. Michael Owen, a former England striker who has long been a racing enthusiast, provides a link between the football world and the equine sphere. His involvement adds credibility and a touch of glamour, as Owen is known for his passion for thoroughbreds and his willingness to support emerging talent in the sport.
The timing of the acquisition is also noteworthy. With the Cheltenham Festival already behind them and the flat racing season in full swing, the owners are likely to target a debut for Bunting Mental in the summer months, when many of the season’s key middle‑distance races take place. This window gives the horse ample time to mature, complete its training regimen, and potentially make an impact in races such as the July Cup or the prestigious Group races at Ascot.
Beyond the immediate racing plans, the owners have hinted at broader ambitions. They see the partnership as a long‑term commitment, not merely a one‑off novelty. In interviews, both Littler and Bunting have expressed enthusiasm for learning the intricacies of horse care, breeding decisions, and race selection. Their involvement could also open doors for charitable initiatives, as many athletes use their racing interests to raise funds for causes close to their hearts.
The announcement of the ownership group was accompanied by a flurry of related sports news. For instance, former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle has been chasing his own Cheltenham Festival glory with horses named Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi.
Meanwhile, at Ascot, Kalpana triumphed over Calandagan in a dramatic King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes showdown, and legendary jockey Ryan Moore was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. In the world of flat racing, Benvenuto Cellini is set to lead a four‑horse Aidan O’Brien contingent in the Epsom Derby, while At The Races analyst Kevin Blake offered his picks for Derby day. Even off‑track stories made headlines, such as former jockey Levi Williams being sentenced for manslaughter after a violent altercation outside a pub. All these narratives illustrate the vibrant, interconnected nature of the sporting calendar, where achievements in one arena often echo in another.
For Littler and Bunting, stepping into the racing world adds another chapter to their already impressive sporting resumes. Their enthusiasm, as Palmer noted, has been evident even through brief WhatsApp exchanges, with both men expressing a genuine excitement about the journey ahead.
In summary, the acquisition of Bunting Mental marks a significant crossover moment, blending the precision and focus of darts with the tradition and unpredictability of horse racing. While the name may raise eyebrows and spark smiles, the underlying commitment to quality training, strategic race placement, and long‑term development suggests that the partnership is more than just a publicity stunt.
As the summer approaches, fans of both darts and racing will be watching closely to see how this unique collaboration unfolds on the track, hoping that the horse lives up to its spirited moniker and perhaps even brings a trophy home for its celebrity owners.