Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting, two of darts’ most celebrated talents, are set to try their luck on the turf by acquiring a share in a racehorse called Bunting Mental. The pair, who have dazzled crowds with pinpoint accuracy on the oche, are now turning that same competitive spirit toward the world of thoroughbred racing.
The horse will be placed under the care of trainer Hugo Palmer, a name that has become synonymous with success when sporting celebrities become involved in the racing scene. Palmer’s résumé includes guiding Seagulls Eleven to a series of impressive victories for a syndicate that boasts Premier League figures 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 football great and avid race‑fan Michael Owen, whose enthusiasm for the sport is well‑documented.
With Owen already on board, the latest development sees the reigning world darts champion join the ownership group. Littler, who was spotted enjoying the atmosphere at the Cheltenham Festival earlier this year, has now teamed up with Bunting and Owen to back the son of the stallion Ardad. The collaboration brings together three distinct sporting worlds—football, darts and horse racing—under one banner, creating a unique cross‑disciplinary partnership. Speaking about the venture, Palmer expressed his delight at the diverse mix of owners: "It’s fantastic to have people from such varied corners of the sporting arena supporting us.
It certainly adds an extra layer of intrigue when the horses line up for their races. While their involvement won’t magically make the horses faster, it does bring a lot of fun and publicity to the operation." He went on to explain the choice of name, noting that "Bunting Mental" keeps the darts theme alive, a nod to Stephen Bunting’s own moniker. "He’s by Ardad, but he’s a fairly big, well‑balanced animal.
We’ve been very pleased with everything we’ve done with him so far, though we don’t expect to see him race until the summer months," Palmer added. The announcement arrives amid a busy period in the British racing calendar, with several high‑profile events and news items making headlines.
In Newmarket, Bow Echo secured a classic victory in the 2000 Guineas, delivering trainer Billy Loughnane his first major win at the historic venue. Meanwhile, Night Raider captured the Palace House Stakes for trainer Karl Burke, further underscoring the depth of talent on display across the flat racing circuit. Beyond the race results, the sport’s media personalities are also contributing to the buzz.
Hollie Doyle recently posted a blog detailing her experiences on 2000 Guineas day, highlighting Paris Babe as the standout performer and offering a preview of the upcoming Royal Ascot Trials. Sky Sports Racing’s programming schedule is packed with notable fixtures, including a head‑to‑head between French Derby hopefuls Dolmalan and Montreal at Chantilly, and a forward‑looking segment on flat horses to watch in 2026, where the network’s experts share their predictions and insights.
In a related development, the 2000 Guineas field saw the re‑entry of Gstaad after an administrative oversight by Aidan O’Brien was rectified, illustrating how even the most seasoned trainers can encounter bureaucratic hiccups. When asked about the partnership, Littler and Bunting’s representatives, who have communicated primarily via WhatsApp, conveyed a strong sense of enthusiasm.
"They’re very excited about the whole journey," one of the messages read, underscoring the genuine passion both darts stars bring to the venture. Their involvement is expected to draw additional attention to the sport, potentially attracting new fans who follow darts but may be unfamiliar with horse racing.
The collaboration also highlights a broader trend of athletes diversifying their portfolios beyond their primary disciplines. By investing in a racehorse, Littler and Bunting join a growing list of sports figures who see the equestrian world as an appealing avenue for both personal interest and financial opportunity. The synergy between precision sports like darts and the strategic planning required in horse racing creates a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences across multiple fan bases. While the exact timeline for Bunting Mental’s debut on the track remains uncertain, Palmer’s confidence suggests that the summer racing season will provide the first opportunity for the horse to showcase its abilities.
As the partnership unfolds, observers will be keen to see whether the darts champions’ competitive edge translates into success on the racetrack, and how their involvement might influence the broader conversation about cross‑sport ownership in the coming years.