Luke Littler has opened up about his growing passion for horse racing, revealing that he is already thinking about expanding his involvement in the sport by purchasing another racehorse in the near future. The teenage darts sensation, who continues to dominate headlines with his performances on the oche, is now beginning to build an intriguing presence away from darts as well.
Fresh from making his first move into horse ownership, Littler has shown that his ambitions stretch beyond just one investment. He recently partnered with Stephen Bunting and Michael Owen to buy a two-year-old colt named “Bunting Mental,” a horse that has already attracted attention thanks to its playful and memorable name. The name itself is a nod to Bunting’s popular chant among fans, creating an instant connection between the darts world and the racing scene.
The horse is currently being trained at Manor House Stables in Cheshire, a well-regarded training base owned by Owen. His experience in horse racing has been crucial in guiding the partnership, especially for Littler and Bunting, who are relatively new to this side of sport. Owen’s long-standing involvement in racing provides both knowledge and structure, helping ensure that the venture is built on a solid foundation rather than simply being a novelty project.
For Littler, the decision to step into horse racing comes at a time when his darts career is flourishing. Still in his teens, he has already accumulated significant prize money and established himself as one of the biggest stars in the game. That success has opened doors, allowing him to explore new opportunities and invest in areas that genuinely interest him.
Speaking about his latest venture, Littler made it clear that this is not just a one-off experience. He admitted that owning a racehorse has already sparked a deeper interest, and he would be keen to repeat the process if the right opportunity arises. His comments suggest a long-term vision, where horse racing could become a consistent part of his life rather than a brief experiment.
He explained that while the idea of buying another horse is appealing, it would need to be approached carefully. Horse racing, unlike darts, involves many variables that are out of an owner’s control, from training progress to race-day conditions. Littler acknowledged this reality, noting that patience will be essential as he learns more about the sport.
His enthusiasm for racing can be traced back to his visit to the Cheltenham Festival earlier in the year. Experiencing one of the biggest events in the racing calendar gave him a firsthand look at the excitement and atmosphere that surrounds the sport. From the roar of the crowd to the thrill of watching horses charge down the final stretch, it left a lasting impression.
That experience appears to have played a key role in convincing Littler to take the next step into ownership. He has spoken about how much he enjoyed the occasion, and it clearly ignited a curiosity that has now turned into active involvement. For many athletes, branching into other sports can be a way of maintaining competitive excitement, and for Littler, horse racing seems to provide exactly that.
With “Bunting Mental” currently in training, attention is beginning to shift toward its potential debut. Early reports from the training yard have been encouraging, with the colt showing promising signs as it develops. While it is still too early to predict how successful the horse might be, there is a sense of optimism among those involved.
Trainer Hugo Palmer has expressed positive views about the horse, describing it as a nice prospect with potential to grow. He has also highlighted the enthusiasm of the ownership group, noting that their excitement adds a fresh dynamic to the environment. Having high-profile figures involved often brings additional attention to the sport, and in this case, it has created a unique crossover between darts, football, and racing.
Despite his growing interest in horse racing, Littler has been quick to emphasise that his main priority remains darts. With major tournaments ongoing, including the Premier League Darts, his focus is still on maintaining his high level of performance and continuing his rapid rise in the sport.
Balancing both commitments will require discipline, but Littler has already shown maturity beyond his years. His ability to handle pressure, adapt to new challenges, and stay grounded has been a key factor in his success so far. Those same qualities could prove valuable as he navigates the complexities of horse ownership.
The partnership with Bunting also adds an interesting layer to the story. Known for his energetic personality and strong connection with fans, Bunting shares Littler’s enthusiasm for the project. Their involvement brings a sense of fun and relatability, making the venture appealing to supporters from both sports.
Meanwhile, Owen’s role provides a level of reassurance. His experience ensures that decisions are made with knowledge and care, reducing the risks that often come with entering a new industry. This blend of youthful excitement and seasoned expertise could be the perfect formula for success.
The choice of name, “Bunting Mental,” has already proven to be a hit among fans. It reflects the personality of the group and creates an immediate talking point, something that is important in both darts and racing. Littler has even joked about future naming ideas, dismissing the possibility of using his own nickname, “The Nuke,” because he feels it would not be creative enough.
As anticipation builds for the horse’s debut, there is a growing sense that this could be the start of something bigger. Littler’s comments about wanting to buy another racehorse indicate that he is thinking long-term, with ambitions to expand his involvement in the sport.
While success in horse racing is never guaranteed, the journey itself is part of the appeal. For Littler, it offers a new challenge, a new form of competition, and a new way to channel his passion for sport.
If his achievements in darts are anything to go by, he has the drive and determination to make an impact. And as he continues to shine on the oche, he may soon find himself celebrating success on the racecourse as well.