Darts stars Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting have become racehorse owners after teaming up with former footballer Michael Owen. The 19-year-old Littler and Bunting have purchased a two-year-old colt named Bunting Mental.
The horse, a two-year-old colt, is named Bunting Mental, according to multiple reports. He was purchased for £54,000 at the sales. Bunting Mental is by Ardad, who won the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2016, out of a Bated Breath mare.
They [Littler and Bunting] haven't been up to the yard yet, they're due to come but they've been busy with the Premier League darts.
The colt is trained by Hugo Palmer, who has been working out of Michael Owen's Manor House Stables since 2022. According to Daily Express - Sport, Palmer described the horse as having a small setback that has delayed his debut. He said the horse won't be ready to run for a couple of months due to a niggle, but he is highly regarded by the yard. Palmer added that the horse has been away for a racecourse gallop and performed well, with jockey Franny Norton giving a positive assessment.
According to Daily Express - Sport, Palmer noted that Littler and Bunting have not yet visited the yard due to their Premier League darts commitments. He described Bunting as a big racing fan and said Littler's involvement is great for the sport, bringing a younger generation into horse ownership. Palmer expressed optimism about the horse's potential, stating that they have a really nice horse on their hands.
Stephen is a big racing fan and I think everyone saw how much Luke enjoyed Cheltenham. He has a huge following and he is an extraordinary talent. It's great to have a young guy involved, most of our high-profile sportsmen in horse ownership are of my generation, so it's great to have people of the next generation.
The exact nature of the setback and the specific terms of the partnership between the three owners remain unclear. It is also unknown when Bunting Mental will make his racecourse debut and whether Littler and Bunting will pursue other horse racing ventures.
I think they have a really nice horse on their hands. He has pleased us in everything that he's done, he won't be ready to run for a couple of months but he is a horse we are high on.
This lad has been away for a racecourse gallop and showed up very well there. He finds life incredibly easy and has loads of ability. Franny Norton rides him and said he's all of the W's - 'Will win when wanted.' He's just had a tiny niggle which has pushed him back a month, but we think he will prove more than worth the wait.