Football and horse racing are two very distant worlds apart, but somehow, there are plenty in the world of football who are drawn to this sport, and some of them even become racehorse owners.
But why this trend, and what inspired them to invest in racehorses? Well, when you look at the list that we’ve highlighted below, most of the football players are coming from the United Kingdom or have played in the English Premier League. And as we all know, horse racing is quite big in the UK.
Plus, we are talking about an exciting sport where there is drama, thrills, and of course, a way to make a lot of money. People who are already invested in horse racing would agree that horse racing is just like an addiction, and the interest in the sport is spreading like a virus. If one teammate buys a racehorse, there is a good chance that other members form the team will do the same.
Lastly, horse racing is a prestigious sport, and since football players like to be in the spotlight and enter the high-class, buying a racehorse is their way to get a ticket. Although some of the top horses can earn millions, the truth is that it is really hard to run a profitable horse racing business, which means that most of these athletes do it for fun or just because it is their passion.
Sir Alex Ferguson
We start with the name that is invested in the world of racing more than any other football star. Yes, we are talking about Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary Manchester United manager, who has a passion for horses just as much as he likes football.
Over the years, Ferguson has owned many thoroughbreds, and he is one of the most successful owners, having multiple Group 1 winners like Rock of Gibraltar, which dominated European races.
But where did this passion come from? Well, it all started during his Aberdeen days, and by the 1990s, he was attending most of the popular UK races. Thanks to his strategic mind, he saw the opportunity in horse racing.
Nowadays, Ferguson’s horses, which are often co-owned with syndicates, appear and high-class events at Ascot and Newmarket.
Wayne Rooney
Remember what we said before that horse racing spreads like a virus? Well, Wayne Rooney was the first one to get this fever from Sir Alex Ferguson back in his Man United days. Over the years, he invested in multiple horses, including one cheekily named Switcharooney.
When did this all start? Well, he got drawn to racehorses back in his early career days, and as he grew in popularity and started earning more money with football, he decided to become an investor.
Unfortunately, he didn’t see much success as a racehorse owner, at least not as much as Sir Alex Ferguson.
Nowadays, although retired from football, he has never lost his passion for horses. Rooney is attending all the big racing events in the United Kingdom, and there are stories online that he is also a big bettor. In fact, betting was the thing that pulled him to the sport.
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Michael Owen
Michael Owen, the former Liverpool and England striker, is a horse racing titan, owning Manor House Stables in Cheshire, England. His breeding operation produces top-tier Thoroughbreds, with runners competing in prestigious races like Royal Ascot.
Owen’s passion started as a kid, and by 2007, he’d turned it into a full-blown business, training over 100 horses yearly. His horse Brown Panther won Group races, a rare feat for a player-turned-owner. Owen’s hands-on approach—studying pedigrees like he once studied defenders—sets him apart. In 2025, he’s chasing more Group 1 wins.
Owen’s living his childhood dream, blending football fame with racing glory.
Kevin Doyle
Former Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle swapped the pitch for the paddock after retiring. Based in County Carlow, he’s become a prominent racehorse owner, with horses like Galway Races competing in Irish stakes.
Doyle’s journey began post-football in 2017, leveraging his earnings to build a stable. His hands-on approach includes working with trainers to scout talent. In 2025, Doyle’s horses are regulars at Curragh, with one tipped for the Irish Derby. His shift from striker to owner reflects a deep love for racing’s community vibe. Doyle found a second career, channeling his football grit into equine success.
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