The latest Luke Littler horse racing venture has seen him partner up with Stephen Bunting and Michael Owen to have a horse trained by Hugo Palmer.
Luke Littler Horse Racing Hobby Reaches New Heights
PDC World Darts Champion Luke Littler was spotted at the Cheltenham Festival in March alongside Luke Humphries and Nathan Aspinall.
And now, he’s entered the ownership game with fellow Premier League rival Stephen Bunting.
Recent World Championship semi-finalist Bunting is one of the most popular players on the PDC tour and his chant ‘let’s go Bunting mental’ is often heard around the country.
Littler and Bunting have used that chant to name an exciting two-year-old BUNTING MENTAL, and there’s plenty of excitement around this son of Ardad. The horse cost £54,000 and should be making his debut in the summer.
Ardad also sired sprinting champion and Royal Ascot winner Perfect Power, who won over £700,000 in prize money.
Hugo Palmer will train Bunting Mental at Manor House Stables. Michael Owen, who has already joined forces with Liverpool defender Andy Robertson this season will also be part of the ownership.
“Exciting” Luke Littler Horse Racing Purchase Set For Summer Debut
Palmer was speaking to the Racing Post about the horse.
“It’s exciting, I haven’t met the guys yet but they seem to be very enthusiastic in the WhatsApp group that’s been set up. Michael is one of the original crossovers and it’s great. It’s fun having crossover in the sport.
“He looks like a horse who should be winning races for them so hopefully they’ll be able to have a lot of fun with him.
“He’s done everything we’ve asked of him quite nicely. We’re about six to eight weeks away from a run. He’s one for the summer but I like what I’ve seen so far.”
10 years on from Michael Owen’s success with Brown Panther, could the former England international be dreaming of more glory with Bunting Mental?
Littler and Bunting have plenty of brand deals but darts players entering horse racing isn’t that common. It’s a sport often linked to football with people like Sir Alex Ferguson and Harry Redknapp massively into their racing.
Other footballers in the sport include Andros Townsend, Georginio Rutter and Antoine Griezmann – just to name a few.
With Littler and Bunting entering the game, maybe Luke Humphries and Nathan Aspinall could follow suit.
Hugo Palmer Trainer Stats In Last Five Seasons
Bunting Mental looks to be in good hands at Manor House Stables. Take a look at the trainer’s stats of the last five seasons.
- Runners: 2016
- Wins: 252
- Strike Rate: 13%
- Placed Horses: 410
- Prize Money won: £4,905,462
Luckily for Littler and Bunting, Palmer has excelled with two-year-olds in recent years. He’s won £1,615,326 from two-year-olds on turf, with 67 winners from 447 runs – operating at a 15% strike rate.
