Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting enter racehorse ownership at Michael Owen's stables
World darts champion Luke Littler has teamed up with oche rival Stephen Bunting to enter the world of racehorse ownership for the first time, buying into Hugo Palmer-trained Bunting Mental; The horse will be trained at Manor House Stables, owned by former England striker Michael Owen
Thursday 23 April 2026 16:34, UK
Darting superstars Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting will be aiming to hit the bullseye on the racecourse having bought into the racehorse named Bunting Mental.
He will be trained by Hugo Palmer, who is no stranger to having sporting stars on his books and has saddled Seagulls Eleven to great success for a syndicate of footballers that includes Brighton & Hove Albion's James Milner and Danny Welbeck, while his landlord is England great and racing fanatic Michael Owen.
He now welcomes the reigning world champion to the fold, with Littler - who was sighted enjoying the Cheltenham Festival in March - teaming up with Bunting and Owen in his ownership venture with the son of Ardad.
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.
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"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.
"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."
