Photo by Absolute Charm: https://www.pexels.com/photo/men-on-horses-3015224/
There are few sports that are as closely woven as that of horse racing and football. Stars from the field are typically in attendance for the biggest days on the equine calendar, with some even achieving success as owners on the significant days.
Neutral followers of the sport are more interested in the notable events on the racing calendar when footballers are involved, especially if a figure from their team’s history is involved.
Therefore, it is little surprise that events such as Triple Crown races and events during Royal Ascot rank among the most popular at TwinSpires. But, who are some of the footballing stars that have never shied away from their passion for the Sport of Kings?
Sir Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson is widely regarded as the greatest manager of the Premier League era, winning 38 major honours during his 26-year stay at Manchester United. Ferguson led United to an iconic treble in 1998-99, before winning his final title in 2012-13 before retiring from the dugout.
The Scotsman’s passion for racing has transcended throughout his career, notably having a part-share of 2002 2000 Guineas winner Rock of Gibraltar, which almost ended his stay at Old Trafford.
Since retiring from football management, Ferguson has achieved huge success on the track, including landing Cheltenham Festival glory in the Ryanair Chase with Protektorat and Bahrain International Trophy success with Spirit Dancer.
Harry Redknapp
Harry Redknapp is also a respected former Premier League manager, who retired from the sport before increasing his involvement in horse racing.
Redknapp would achieve notable success throughout his 35-year managerial career, including leading Tottenham Hotspur into the Champions League for the first time in 2009-10. His final managerial role would come with Birmingham City, before he passed up the opportunity to return to Tottenham in 2025-26. The 79-year-old has owned a number of successful horses, including Moviesta and Cheltenham winner Shakem Up’Arry.
However, his most successful runner on track is The Jukebox Man, who landed Redknapp a first Grade One success in the prestigious King George VI Chase in December 2025.
Michael Owen
Few players have made a greater impact when bursting onto the scene than Michael Owen. Owen made his mark at club and international level as a teenager, including netting a stunning solo goal for England against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup.
The striker was a dominant force in front of goal during his eight-year stay at Liverpool, finishing at the club’s top scorer in every season between 1997 and 2004. However, he would be forced out of the club in 2004, spending a year-long stay at Real Madrid, before later playing for Newcastle United and Manchester United. But, it could be argued that Owen’s main passion, even through his playing career, was for horse racing.
Owen is a prominent figure in British horse racing, gaining success as a breeder and owner for his Manor House Stables. On track, he has achieved notable wins, including Flaming Rib in the Dukhan Sprint and Brad the Brief in the Greenlands Stakes. However, his most iconic wins came with Brown Panther, who would win at Royal Ascot and land the 2015 Dubai Gold Cup.
Antoine Griezmann
There have been few more successful players throughout the modern era than Antoine Griezmann. After bursting on the scene during a five-year stay with Real Sociedad, the Frenchman signed for Atletico Madrid in 2014.
Griezmann would play a starring role during his first stay with the La Liga club, guiding the team to the Champions League final and winning the Europa League. A short stint at Barcelona would follow, before he emotionally returned to Atletico in 2021. Griezmann is regarded as one of the best French footballers of all-time, winning the third-most caps and scoring 44 goals. He was part of the 2018 World Cup-winning team, picking up the man of the match award in the final.
Griezmann is a life-long fan of horse racing, and is a key owner under the Ecurie Seyssel banner. On track, he has landed some notable prizes, including the German 1000 Guineas with Txope and winners on track such as Natsukashi, Princesa, and Glenn Miller.
Georginio Rutter
One of the current stars in the Premier League that has already shown his dedication for horse racing is Georginio Rutter. The forward came through the ranks at Rennes, before joining Leeds United from Hoffenheim in 2023.
After a season with the Whites, the Frenchman signed for Brighton in 2024. Rutter has been a key player for the Seagulls since joining the club, scoring eleven goals in 65 appearances.
His love for horses has also led him into ownership under the Georginio Rutter & Jinky Farms banner. He has enjoyed winning days at the track with Brighlee and Bopedro, and he also has equines in training with David O’Meara and David Menuisier.