Stephen Bunting has shared his excitement after teaming up with teenage darts sensation Luke Littler and former England football star Michael Owen to purchase a racehorse, describing the trio as “great partners” as they step into a completely different sporting world together.
The unlikely collaboration has already caught the attention of fans across multiple sports, with two leading darts figures joining forces with a well-known racing enthusiast in a venture that blends passion, business, and entertainment. The group has invested £54,000 in a two-year-old colt, marking the beginning of what they hope will be an exciting journey into horse racing.
For Bunting, the project is as much about enjoyment as it is about competition. The experienced darts star spoke openly about how the idea came together, explaining that all three share a genuine interest in exploring opportunities beyond their primary careers.
“We’re always looking at doing things outside of darts,” Bunting said. “Obviously there’s three of us with Michael Owen and Luke Littler. It’s a great partnership. I’m really excited about the horse Bunting Mental.”
The horse’s name, “Bunting Mental,” immediately stands out and carries a strong connection to Bunting’s on-stage persona. The phrase has become synonymous with the player among fans, often chanted during matches, and its use as the horse’s name brings a touch of darts culture into the world of racing. Bunting himself revealed that he had a say in the naming process and was more than happy with the final choice.
“I had a choice of either the silks or the name. I was happy with the name,” he explained, clearly pleased with how the identity of the horse has come together.
While Bunting influenced the name, Littler’s presence will be reflected in another key detail—the racing silks. The jockey is expected to wear colors inspired by Littler’s recognizable purple and yellow theme, adding another personal touch to the project and reinforcing the collaborative nature of the partnership.
“Everyone has taken well to the name,” Bunting added. “It will have Luke’s colours of purple and yellow. That was the plan.”
The involvement of Michael Owen brings a level of experience and credibility to the venture. Unlike his partners, Owen is no stranger to horse racing. The former striker has been deeply involved in the sport for years and owns Manor House Stables, where the colt is being trained. His knowledge of racing operations and horse development provides a strong foundation for what is a new adventure for both Bunting and Littler.
The horse is currently under the care of respected trainer Hugo Palmer in Cheshire, with plans already in place for its debut on the track. The anticipated first race is expected to take place toward the end of May, giving the trio a clear milestone to look forward to as they prepare for their introduction to racehorse ownership.
For Littler, this move into racing is another sign of his rapidly expanding profile. Still in his teens, he has already become one of the biggest names in darts, and his growing interest in horse racing has been evident for some time. He has attended major racing events and spoken about his enthusiasm for the sport, and this investment suggests that his interest is both serious and long-term.
The crossover between darts and horse racing may seem unusual, but it reflects a broader trend among athletes seeking new challenges and opportunities beyond their main discipline. For Bunting and Littler, who are accustomed to the intense focus required on the darts stage, racing offers a completely different kind of excitement—one that is less about individual performance and more about teamwork, preparation, and the unpredictable nature of competition.
Bunting’s enthusiasm for the project is rooted not just in the potential success of the horse, but in the experience itself. Being part of a racing team, following the development of the colt, and eventually watching it compete on race day all contribute to a new and refreshing kind of sporting thrill.
The name “Bunting Mental” has already generated strong reactions, with many fans embracing its bold and playful character. It ensures that the horse will stand out from the moment it enters the starting gate, carrying with it a sense of personality that mirrors its owners.
As anticipation builds for the horse’s debut, there is also growing curiosity about what the future might hold for the partnership. Success on the track could lead to further investments, with the trio potentially expanding their involvement in racing. Littler, in particular, has hinted that this could be just the beginning, suggesting that more horses—and perhaps more creatively named runners—could follow if the venture proves successful.
Alongside discussing the racehorse project, Bunting also reflected on developments within the darts world, particularly the rise of new talent. He praised Beau Greaves for her historic achievement in winning a PDC title against male opposition, recognizing it as a landmark moment for the sport.
“It’s amazing and it’s a massive achievement,” Bunting said, highlighting the significance of her success. He also pointed to her composure under pressure, noting that her ability to deliver at key moments sets her apart.
“She has got everything in the game that she needs… the composure as well to win at certain times,” he added, expressing confidence that she can continue to compete at the highest level.
These comments underline Bunting’s deep connection to the sport, even as he explores opportunities beyond it. His willingness to celebrate the achievements of others while pursuing his own ventures reflects a balanced approach to his career—one that embraces both competition and collaboration.
As the countdown continues toward the debut of “Bunting Mental,” excitement is steadily growing among fans of both darts and horse racing. The partnership between Bunting, Littler, and Owen has created a unique crossover story, bringing together different sporting worlds in a way that feels fresh and engaging.
For Bunting, the journey is just beginning. The chance to be part of something new, alongside partners he clearly values, has added another dimension to his already successful career. And if the early enthusiasm is anything to go by, this racehorse venture could be more than just a one-off experiment—it could be the start of a lasting presence in the world of racing.
Whether the horse goes on to achieve success on the track remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: with a name like “Bunting Mental” and a trio of high-profile owners behind it, the story is already capturing attention. And for those involved, the thrill of the unknown is all part of the appeal as they embark on this new sporting adventure together.
Leave a Reply