There are few sports that are as closely intertwined as horse racing and football. There have been countless stars from the Beautiful Game cross into the Sport of Kings throughout history, with each enjoying or enduring contrasting fortunes.
That connection between the sports shows no sign of stopping, with a growing number of football stars pictured enjoying a day at the track. Owners will typically target the most lucrative races on the calendar, meaning it is somewhat surprising that a footballer-owned horse is yet to win a race at the Breeders’ Cup.
However, as the Breeders’ Cup handicapping guide would suggest, the calibre of horse at the season-ending event ensures that winning a Grade One at the two-day meeting is extremely challenging given the high level of competition.
But, why have footballers typically ventured into the world of horse racing, and which stars have enjoyed the most success?
Why Do Footballers Get Involved in Horse Racing?
There are countless reasons for football figures to get involved in horse racing, but one of the most obvious comes in the form of a deep rooted passion in the sport. As one of the most famous past times, many people from around the world grow up watching the sport, whether it be on a daily basis or just tuning in with family to watch major races such as the Derby or Grand National.
Meanwhile, footballers could also get involved in the Sport of Kings due to a thrill of competition after retiring from their first sport. The competitive nature of horse racing gives owners a thrill that is unmatched, and that could feed a craving that football stars may have struggled to feel since retiring.
This competitive nature could also branch into a career after football, with a number of stars enjoying success as syndicate members and breeders. Some footballers will also branch into racing to enhance brand visibility and create networking opportunities.
Being seen at major events such as Royal Ascot or the Cheltenham Festival will raise the profile or a retired footballer, while both events will also give figures an opportunity to connect with fans, and network with influential business figures.
Which Footballers Have Achieved Success in Horse Racing?
Michael Owen
Former England striker Michael Owen was one of the most dominant goal scorers during the peak of his powers, headlined by winning the 2001 Ballon d’Or. However, Owen’s passion has always been away from the football field, as he has always been an avid horse racing fan.
The 46-year-old owns Manor House Stables and has built an impressive equestrian enterprise. His biggest success came with Brown Panther, who would win the Irish St Leger and King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Sir Alex Ferguson
The most decorated manager in Premier League history, Sir Alex Ferguson, has been no stranger to success throughout his sporting career. The legendary Manchester United manager has long-been involved in horse racing, with his involvement in 2002 2,000 Guineas winner Rock of Gibraltar almost ending his tenure at Old Trafford in the 2000s.
The majority of Ferguson’s success has come in National Hunt Racing, claiming Cheltenham Festival victories with Protektorat and Caldwell Potter. He also enjoyed international success with home-bred Spirit Dancer, who landed the Bahrain International Trophy in back-to-back years in 2023 and 2024.
Mick Channon
There have been few footballing figures to completely revolutionise their careers to the extend of Mick Channon. Channon was a standout player in English football throughout the 1970s and 80s. He also represented England on 46 occasions, scoring 21 goals.
After retiring from the sport, he set about continuing his domination in another sport, becoming a licensed racehorse trainer in 1990. He would enjoy early success in 2002, eclipsing 100 winners in a single season for the first time. However, Channon’s biggest success during his career as a trainer came when winning the 2012 Irish 1,000 Guineas with Samitar. The family’s connection to the sport continues in this modern day, as Mick handed over his training license to son Jack after retiring in 2022.
Harry Redknapp
Another legendary football manager to have achieved huge success after turning his attentions to horse racing is Harry Redknapp. Success has followed the figure throughout his career, becoming the most recent English manager to win the FA Cup in 2008 during his time with Portsmouth.
After retiring from management, Redknapp stepped up his involved in the Sport of Kings, and he has achieved notable wins on the National Hunt Calendar. A first Cheltenham Festival success was achieved with Shakem Up’arry, before Redknapp’s biggest win to date with achieved on Boxing Day in 2025, as The Jukebox Man won one of the most prestigious races on the jumps calendar, the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park.