Superstar darts players Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting are set to broaden their sporting horizons by stepping onto the turf as co‑owners of a racehorse called Bunting Mental. The pair have joined forces with trainer Hugo Palmer, a seasoned professional who is already accustomed to working with high‑profile athletes. Palmer’s résumé includes guiding Seagulls Eleven to a series of impressive victories for a syndicate that counts football internationals such as James Milner of Brighton & Hove Albion and former Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck among its members. Adding to the star‑studded stable is England football legend and avid racing enthusiast Michael Owen, who serves as the horse’s landlord.
The latest addition to Palmer’s stable brings together three distinct sporting worlds. The reigning world darts champion, Stephen Bunting, has already been linked with the horse, and now the up‑and‑coming darts prodigy Luke Littler – who was spotted enjoying the festivities at the Cheltenham Festival earlier this year – has also signed on.
Together they will share ownership of the son of the well‑known stallion Ardad, a horse that has already been christened Bunting Mental to keep the darts‑themed naming tradition alive. In a recent interview, Palmer expressed his enthusiasm for the eclectic mix of owners. “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,” he said. “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 added that the horse, a sizeable and well‑balanced animal, has impressed everyone involved so far. “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 explained, indicating that the colt will likely make his first public appearance on the track during the summer racing calendar. Palmer also noted the ease of communication with the new owners.
“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,” he said, highlighting the modern, digital nature of their partnership. The involvement of darts champions in horse racing is not entirely unprecedented, but it does underscore a growing trend of athletes diversifying their portfolios and seeking new challenges beyond their primary sport.
For Littler, who has been making waves on the darts circuit with a string of impressive tournament victories, the venture offers a chance to experience the thrill of the racecourse from a different perspective. Bunting, already a world champion, sees the partnership as an extension of his competitive spirit, applying the same focus and determination that have served him well on the oche to the world of flat racing. The horse itself, Bunting Mental, is a son of Ardad, a stallion known for passing on stamina and a strong turn of foot to his progeny. While the colt’s pedigree suggests potential for middle‑distance races, Palmer’s training program will be tailored to maximize his natural attributes.
The trainer’s experience with celebrity owners, combined with his proven ability to prepare horses for high‑stakes competition, positions Bunting Mental as a promising contender for future events. Looking ahead, the new ownership group is expected to target a series of key races throughout the summer and autumn seasons. While the exact campaign has not been disclosed, industry insiders speculate that the colt could be aimed at prestigious fixtures such as the Royal Ascot meeting or even the Group races later in the year, should his development progress as anticipated.
Beyond the immediate racing ambitions, the partnership also serves a promotional purpose. The presence of well‑known darts personalities at race meetings is likely to attract a broader audience, potentially drawing fans of darts to the sport of horse racing.
This cross‑disciplinary appeal could benefit both the racing industry, which is always seeking fresh avenues for engagement, and the darts community, which gains additional exposure. In summary, Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting’s entry into racehorse ownership marks an exciting convergence of two distinct sporting worlds.
Backed by trainer Hugo Palmer and supported by football legend Michael Owen, the duo will co‑own Bunting Mental, a promising colt by Ardad. While the horse will not magically run faster because of its celebrity owners, the added media attention and enthusiasm from the new partners promise to make his future races a focal point for fans and commentators alike. The summer will reveal how the colt develops under Palmer’s guidance, and whether the darts‑themed name will become synonymous with success on the turf.