Pictures of Luke Littler at the Cheltenham Festival were easy to find in March. Clearly, the bug was infectious, as Littler has gone into racehorse ownership with fellow arrowsmith Stephen Bunting.
PDC World Champion Littler was present at both major spring racing festivals. After appearing in the Cotswolds throughout Cheltenham week, Littler attended Aintree’s Grand National meeting too. Other darts stars Luke Humphries and Nathan Aspinall were with him in the stands.
It is Bunting, however, who he has gone into ownership with. The pair combined to purchase a £54,000 colt in training with Hugo Palmer. Its name? Bunting Mental.
Likely to race for the first time this summer, Bunting Mental is based at Manor House Stables. Palmer trains from the base owned by former England international Michael Owen. The juvenile is likely to receive plenty of media attention as his debut approaches. Though only a two-year-old, it would appear fans will not have to wait long for his fist appearance.
“I like what I’ve seen so far” – Palmer
Owen is a member of the Jockey Club, with his greatest successes as an owner coming courtesy of Brown Panther. Tom Dascombe’s staying star won the Group 1 Irish St Leger among ten victories. He also competed at the Melbourne Cup and won in Dubai.
If Bunting Mental achieves even half those successes at a lower level, he will have done well. Nevertheless, Palmer’s belief is that his colt will do well once meeting a racecourse.
Speaking to the Racing Post, Palmer said: “He looks like a horse who should be winning races for them so hopefully they’ll be able to have a lot of fun with him.”
“He’s done everything we’ve asked of him quite nicely. We’re about six to eight weeks away from a run. He’s one for the summer but I like what I’ve seen so far.”
A fanciful projection could see Bunting Mental emerge at Royal Ascot were he to make his debut in time. If not, there is plenty of the flat season ahead for him to build some momentum.
As for the spotlight honed in on the yard, Palmer realises the good it will do for racing.
“It’s exciting,” Palmer said. “I haven’t met the guys yet but they seem to be very enthusiastic in the WhatsApp group that’s been set up. Michael is one of the original crossovers and it’s great. It’s fun having a crossover in the sport.”