Beyond the Oche: Darts Sensations Littler & Bunting Make a Bold Move into Horse Racing

Darts world sensations Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting have embarked on an exciting new venture, partnering with legendary footballer Michael Owen to become racehorse owners. They’ve invested £54,000 in a promising two-year-old colt, aptly named BUNTING MENTAL, which is already impressing trainers and is set to make its racing debut as early as June. This unexpected collaboration brings together three sporting icons in a thrilling crossover into the world of thoroughbred racing.

A Powerful Trio: Darts Stars and a Football Legend

The world of professional darts is buzzing, but this time, the news isn’t about a perfect 9-darter. Instead, two of its biggest names, Luke “The Nuke” Littler and Stephen “The Bullet” Bunting, have joined forces with former Liverpool and Manchester United striker Michael Owen to enter the high-stakes world of horse racing ownership.

• The Partnership: Luke Littler, Stephen Bunting, and Michael Owen.
• The Investment: A two-year-old colt, purchased for £54,000.
• The Horse: Named BUNTING MENTAL, a playful nod to Stephen Bunting’s famous walk-on chant.
• The Trainer: Esteemed trainer Hugo Palmer in Cheshire, known for his success in developing young talent.
• Racing Debut: Expected to hit the track as early as June, after showing great promise in recent training gallops.

From Darts Board to Racecourse: Why the Leap?

While an unusual pairing, the move isn’t entirely out of the blue. Both darts stars have a known affinity for horse racing, and Michael Owen is a seasoned owner and breeder.

Stephen Bunting’s Passion for Racing

Stephen Bunting, a lifelong football and racing enthusiast, revealed how this unique partnership came to be. He’s a regular at major racing events, including the Grand National and various flat meetings. It was at Chester Racecourse last year that a chance encounter with Michael Owen sparked the idea.

“I got speaking to Michael Owen and he invited me down to his yard – and he said ‘I can’t promise you’ll leave without owning a horse… And here we are.'”

Bunting’s excitement is palpable, highlighting the collective enthusiasm within the new ownership group.

Luke Littler’s Growing Interest

Despite his youth, Luke Littler has quickly become a familiar face at major racing festivals, including the prestigious Cheltenham Festival in March. His enjoyment of the sport is clear, making this investment a natural next step for the young sensation.

Littler has previously expressed his keen interest in racing, often following horses with names like his own “Bunting” or his nickname “Bullet.” He even recalls famous horses like Blue Bunting and his admiration for jumps legend Kauto Star, showing a genuine depth of knowledge and passion for the sport.

BUNTING MENTAL: A Champion in the Making?

The choice of horse is no accident. BUNTING MENTAL boasts an impressive lineage, suggesting a strong potential for success on the track.

• Champion Pedigree: The colt is sired by Ardad, a renowned stallion.
• Proven Success: Ardad famously produced Perfect Power, a sprinting champion and winner at the prestigious Royal Ascot. This lineage indicates a strong genetic predisposition for speed and competitive performance.

Trainer Hugo Palmer is highly optimistic about their new acquisition.

“They have a really nice horse on their hands… He has pleased us in everything that he’s done… he is a horse we are high on.”

Palmer also noted the significance of Littler’s involvement, seeing it as a positive step for attracting a younger generation to horse ownership, a demographic often underrepresented among high-profile sportsmen in the sport.

The Impact: A New Era for Sporting Crossovers

This venture marks a significant milestone for Luke Littler, being his first major investment outside of darts since his meteoric rise to global fame. The combination of Littler’s immense popularity, Bunting’s passionate fan base, and Owen’s established presence in racing could create one of the most visible and popular stables in the sport.

It’s a testament to the growing trend of athletes from different disciplines converging, bringing fresh eyes and renewed interest to traditional sports. The name “BUNTING MENTAL” itself is a stroke of marketing genius, ensuring instant recognition and a strong connection to its darts roots.