Horse racing is commonly known as the sport of the kings, with the rich and famous able to get involved in ownership of the equine stars by targeting some of the most profitable and lucrative races on the schedule. Therefore, it will come as little surprise that the worlds of soccer and horse racing have been intertwined throughout history.
There has been no shortage of soccer stars that have dipped their hands into their pockets to pursue big wins away from the field and on the racetrack, with some experiencing more success than others. So, even if you are not familiar with the horse racing betting terminology, you may recognize links between some of these soccer legends and the sport of the kings.
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney enjoyed legendary success on the pitch throughout his playing career, winning Premier League titles, the Champions League and FA Cup with Manchester United. The England striker ended his stay at Old Trafford as the leading scorer in the club’s history, and has since endured mixed spells as manager at Derby County and Birmingham City.
However, horse racing typically offers Rooney a relief away from the field, but he is yet to achieve the same level as success as he did in soccer on the racetrack. The former England captain splashed out £15,900 to purchase Tomway, who was trained by Tom Dascombe.
On track, the horse failed to win a single race in six career starts, and was retired after finishing a disappointing eleventh of 12 at Wolverhampton in October 2012. Not to be deterred, Rooney invested another £200,000 on two further horses- Switcharooney and Pippy. However, the two runners only landed a combined one victory between them from 23 career starts before being retired.
Sir Alex Ferguson
There are few more successful figures in the history of soccer than Sir Alex Ferguson, with the Scottish manager winning major success throughout his long stay at Manchester United. That success has continued since his retirement from the sport, as he has owned no shortage of legendary horses that have achieved major victories on track.
In total, Ferguson owns 32 high-quality horses across the flat and jumps. He has achieved notable Grade 1 success over fences with superstars such as Clan Des Obeaux and Protektorat. His first major success was achieved in 2002, as he part-owned Aidan O’Brien-trained Rock of Gibraltar, who landed success in the 2,000 Guineas.
However, few victories would have meant more to the legendary manager than Spirit Dancer’s victory in the lucrative Bahrain Trophy. Ferguson bred the speedy seven-year-old, who would win the lucrative purse worth $1 million by over two lengths from Israr. The former Man United boss will be targeting further success in 2024, including at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Michael Owen
Michael Owen enjoyed an excellent professional soccer career, scoring goals during stints at Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Newcastle United. However, horse racing has always remained his passion, even through his career on the field. Owen owns a stable in Cheshire, and owns numerous horses on the flat that have achieved great success throughout their careers.
The former England striker is now in partnership with trainer Hugo Palmer after ending his long-standing relationship with Tom Dascombe. One of his most successful horses in history remains Brown Panther, who was bred by the striker. The equine star landed the Dubai World Cup in 2015 and scored in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2011.
The latter of the victories left Owen visibly emotional, but he has sadly put down after suffering a leg injury just 12 months after winning the Irish St Leger. However, he continued to enjoy success throughout the 2023 racing season, with Balon D’or winning on debut at Musselburgh, before finishing second behind Bobsleigh in the Woodcote Stakes.
Harry Redknapp
Another soccer manager that has achieved huge success away from the field since retiring is Harry Redknapp. The former Portsmouth and Tottenham boss has always been an avid follower of horse racing, with Redknapp typically watching the latest racing action before big matches during his tenure as manager.
Following his retirement from the game, Redknapp has invested heavily into his string of runners, and he has been able to achieve notable success on the biggest stages. Back On The Lash is one of the former manager’s favourite horses that he owns, having run commendably in the 2023 Grand National before being pulled up. The horse has also won over the Cross Country course at Cheltenham on two previous occasions.
Redknapp achieved one of his biggest victories as an owner at the recent New Year’s Day meeting at Cheltenham, as Shakem Up’Arry was a commanding seven-length winner of the Paddy Power New Year’s Day Handicap Chase over two miles and four furlongs. That could leave Redknapp primed for a big period over jumps, as he targets further success at the Cheltenham Festival.
