Footballers turning up at horse racing events isn’t a new thing. You’ll often see familiar faces from the Premier League or La Liga enjoying a day at the track. Some go a bit further, though. A few end up so into it, they start owning horses and actually making names for themselves in racing, too.
If you’re someone who’s curious about how it all works—or maybe looking to understand betting on horse racing a little better—https://www.twinspires.com/edge/racing/betting-info/horse-racing/ gives a solid rundown of what you need to know.
Now, let’s talk about a few football names who’ve gone beyond the stands and into the sport itself.
Sir Alex Ferguson
Most people know Sir Alex Ferguson as the man behind Manchester United’s golden era. He took the realm in 1986 and, over 26 years, turned the club into a machine—thirteen Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two Champions Leagues. That part of his life is well documented.
But here’s what some fans might not know: after retiring in 2013, Ferguson didn’t slow down—he just shifted gears. Horse racing became a bigger part of his life, and he’s had some solid wins too.
In the UK, he co-owns horses like Protektorat, who won the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham in 2024. Another of his horses, Caldwell Potter, followed that up with a win at the same festival in 2025. He’s had success abroad too—Spirit Dancer, bred in-house, picked up back-to-back wins in the Bahrain International Trophy in 2023 and 2024.
Michael Owen
Michael Owen was electric when he first broke out, especially that goal against Argentina in ‘98. He was just 18 then. He later played for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle, United, and Stoke, and he managed to grab a Premier League medal near the end of it all.
But if you’ve followed him post-retirement, you’ll notice he’s leaned heavily into horse racing. In fact, he’s been open about loving it even more than football.
His most famous horse? Probably Brown Panther. The horse won at Royal Ascot in 2011 and grabbed the Dubai Gold Cup in 2015. Owen was the owner, but most of all, he was deeply involved from the start.
Georginio Rutter
Georginio Rutter might not be a global household name just yet, but give it time. He came through Rennes, had a stint at Hoffenheim, and then made a move to Leeds in 2023. After their relegation, Brighton & Hove Albion picked him up, and he’s been doing well since. Eight goals in 32 games last season—not bad for a new league.
What stands out, though, is how often he shows up at Brighton Racecourse. He’s into it—talks to media, gives race picks, the whole bit. Turns out, he even co-owns two horses: Bopedro and Coeur Jaune, both trained by David O’Meara. So yeah, he’s not just tagging along for photos.
Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann’s been part of just about every major moment in French football over the last decade. World Cup winner in 2018, Europa League and Super Cup champ with Atlético Madrid, and still going strong since his return to the club in 2022—he’s now their all-time top scorer.
What you might miss, though, is his love for horse racing. He’s a fan and an investor. In 2022, his horse Txope won the German 2,000 Guineas, which is a Group 2 race, so it was a big deal. And earlier this year, another one of his horses, Glenn Miller, won in Lyon.
What’s the difference between owning and sponsoring a racehorse?
Owning a racehorse means you’re financially responsible for its care, training, and racing, and you also share in any prize money it earns. Sponsors, on the other hand, typically support races, events, or horses with branding or funding but don’t actually manage or profit from the horse itself. Many footballers—like Michael Owen—opt for ownership because it offers more involvement and potential reward.
Who is considered the best racehorse of all time?
It depends who you ask, but one name that always comes up is Secretariat. The American thoroughbred won the Triple Crown in 1973 with record-breaking times that still stand today. In Europe, horses like Frankel and Sea the Stars are often mentioned in the same breath. For newcomers to horse racing, learning about these legendary horses is a great way to get a feel for the sport’s history and excitement.
