Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting enter lucrative £54k partnership with former Man Utd star

Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting have entered into a lucrative partnership with former Manchester United forward Michael Owen - by buying a horse.

The darts stars have bought a two-year colt, which cost £54,000 and is based in Cheshire under the stewardship of trainer Hugo Palmer.

Legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is heavily involved in horse racing, while ex-Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has shares in over 20 horses.

The venture marks Littler and Bunting's first venture into horse racing, after 'The Nuke' paid a visit to the Cheltenham Festival earlier this year alongside Luke Humphries.

Luke Littler pictured with girlfriend Faith Millar at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival (Image: Getty)

The horse has been aptly called 'Bunting Mental' - with Bunting revealing that he had a choice over whether to pick the horse's silks or the name.

It will run for the first time on May 30.

Bunting told The Sun: "We're always looking at doing things outside of darts. 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. I had a choice of either the silks or the name - I was happy with the name."

The horse will adorn Littler's now iconic darting colours of purple and yellow when it makes its debut.

It is being housed at Manor House Stables, which is owned by Owen.

Palmer said last week: "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.

"It's not going to make them run any faster, but it's all good fun.

"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 the summer.

"I've only spoken to them [Littler and Bunting] via WhatsApp, but they seem very enthusiastic and up for it. They are very excited about the whole journey."