Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting, two of darts’ most celebrated competitors, 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 new entrant will be placed in the stable of trainer Hugo Palmer, a name that has already attracted a number of high‑profile athletes. Palmer’s résumé includes guiding Seagulls Eleven to a series of impressive victories for a syndicate that features Premier League figures such as James Milner and Danny Welbeck.
Adding to the allure, the stable’s landlord is former England football star and avid racing enthusiast Michael Owen, who has long been a vocal supporter of the sport. With the arrival of Littler – who was spotted enjoying the festivities at the Cheltenham Festival earlier this year – the ownership group now boasts three distinguished sports personalities: a darts world champion, a fellow darts professional, and a football legend.
Their collaboration centres on a horse sired by Ardad, a well‑known stallion whose progeny are noted for their stamina and temperament. The colt, affectionately dubbed Bunting Mental to keep the darts‑themed naming tradition alive, is described by Palmer as a "quite big and nice" animal that has already shown promising traits in training. Palmer expressed his enthusiasm about the eclectic ownership mix, saying, "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 added that, although the horse is expected to make his first race appearance in the summer, the owners have been in regular contact via WhatsApp and are eager to follow the horse’s progress every step of the way. The partnership reflects a growing trend of athletes diversifying their portfolios by investing in equine sport. For Littler, whose darts career has been marked by rapid ascents and high‑pressure finishes, the venture offers a fresh challenge that mirrors the precision required on the oche. Bunting, a former world champion with a reputation for consistency, sees the ownership as an extension of his competitive instincts beyond the dartboard.
Meanwhile, Michael Owen brings a lifelong passion for horse racing, having attended countless meetings at venues such as Ascot and Newmarket. The decision to name the horse Bunting Mental is more than a playful nod to darts; it also signals the owners’ intent to infuse their racing campaign with the same mental toughness that has defined their darts achievements.
In darts, mental resilience is paramount – a single missed double can turn a winning leg into a loss. In racing, a horse’s temperament and the ability to stay focused under the roar of the crowd are equally critical.
By selecting a name that underscores this psychological edge, the trio hopes to remind themselves and their supporters that success hinges as much on mindset as on physical preparation. While the horse’s racing schedule has not yet been finalized, Palmer hinted that the summer months will provide the first opportunity for Bunting Mental to test his abilities on the track.
He praised the colt’s conformation, noting that the animal’s size and build suggest a blend of speed and endurance suitable for a range of distances. The trainer also highlighted the supportive environment created by the owners, who, despite their busy sporting calendars, have committed to regular communication and active involvement in decision‑making.
The broader racing community has taken notice of the high‑profile ownership. Media outlets have highlighted the novelty of darts stars entering the equine arena, drawing parallels to other cross‑sport investments such as footballers buying into racehorse syndicates or rugby players becoming part‑owners of breeding farms. This cross‑pollination of fan bases could bring fresh attention to racing events, potentially boosting attendance and viewership among audiences that might not otherwise follow the sport.
In addition to the primary story, several related headlines underscore the vibrant sporting landscape in which this partnership sits: - Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker, is chasing Cheltenham Festival glory with his own horses, Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi. - At Ascot, Kalpana triumphed over Calandagan in a thrilling King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes showdown. - Legendary jockey Ryan Moore was honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, reflecting the sport’s deep ties to British tradition.
- Aidan O’Brien’s stable entered four contenders for the Derby, with Benvenuto Cellini leading the charge. - At The Races’ Kevin Blake offered his expert picks for Derby day, showcasing the analytical side of race‑day preparation. - Former jockey Levi Williams faced legal consequences after a manslaughter conviction, reminding the public that the sport’s personalities are not immune to personal challenges. All of these narratives illustrate the dynamic interplay between athletes, owners, and the racing world.
For Littler, Bunting, and Owen, the venture into racehorse ownership is both a personal passion project and a strategic move to broaden their sporting legacies. As they await the summer debut of Bunting Mental, the trio remains optimistic, staying connected through digital chats and sharing a common goal: to see their horse cross the finish line first, proving that the precision and mental fortitude honed on a dartboard can translate into success on the turf.