Premier League legends that own horses

There are few sports that are as closely intertwined than football and horse racing. Football stars being pictured on racecourses is nothing new, with many teams typically using a day at the races as a team bonding exercise.

Therefore, it is never surprising to see Premier League players being in attendance for major meetings such as the Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot. For some, their passion for the sport has also extended to owning horses.

But, who are some of the biggest Premier League legends that have a passion for horse racing?

Sir Alex Ferguson

There are few more iconic footballing legends in the Premier League era than Sir Alex Ferguson. The former Manchester United manager is regarded as one of the greatest coaches of all-time, and he holds the record for the most trophies in world football.

Ferguson was appointed United manager in November 1986, and he would win the Premier League title on 13 occasions during his 26-year stay at Old Trafford. Following his retirement in 2013, Ferguson began to get more involved with horse racing.

Major success has since followed, which includes victories at the Cheltenham Festival with Protektorat in the Ryanair Chase and Group One success at Aintree with Caldwell Potter.

Maybe we will see Sir Alex’s horses in Triple Crown races, like the Preakness Stakes. Check more information about it here: twinspires.com/preakness-stakes/odds/

Michael Owen

It could be argued that Michael Owen’s passion for horse racing far outweighs his love for football. On the field, Owen was regarded as one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history, winning the illustrious Ballon d’Or in 2004 during his time with Liverpool.

It was during his time with the Reds that he put himself among the top strikers in the world, scoring 118 goals in 216 league appearances. However, after falling down the pecking order, Owen would join Real Madrid, before quickly returning to the Premier League with Newcastle.

A stint with Manchester United followed in 2009, as he finally ended his long wait for a Premier League title. Since retiring from football, Owen has raised his profile as an owner and breeder in the racing industry.

Such is his love for racing, Owen was involved in a charity race at Ascot in November 2017, finishing second aboard Calder Prince. His most notable horse was the home-bred Brown Panther, who was a winner at Royal Ascot as well as scoring in the 2015 Dubai Gold Cup.

Glen Johnson

One of the Premier League players that has achieved major success in the sport of horse racing that has gone under the radar is former right-back Glen Johnson. The defender made his breakthrough at West Ham United, before joining Chelsea in 2003.

Johnson achieved major success during his time at Stamford Bridge, helping the team win the Premier League title in 2004-05 and the EFL Cup in the same season. After a successful loan spell at Portsmouth, he later joined Pompey in 2007.

It was during his time at Portsmouth that he would become one of the best right-backs in the Premier League, playing 99 times for the club and being part of the 2008 FA Cup-winning squad. His performances caught the eye of Liverpool, with the defender spending six seasons at Anfield.

During his time at the club, he achieved limited success, winning just the EFL Cup in 2012. At international level, he played 54 times for England, and was part of the 2010 and 2014 World Cup squads. Johnson also has a passion for horse racing, and was frequently seen at Ascot during his playing career. After retiring from the sport, he invested in a runner called Encore D’Or. On track, the sprinter achieved major success across Europe, winning eleven times before being retired to stud.

Harry Redknapp

There are few more iconic managers in Premier League history than Harry Redknapp. The Englishman enjoyed a stellar playing career, before turning his attentions to management in 1983.

His first job in the Premier League came at West Ham, as he helped bring through stars such as Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, and Jermaine Defoe. However, his most successful period came during his second spell at Portsmouth between 2005 and 2008.

Redknapp became the latest English manager to win the FA Cup in 2008, and he was awarded the Freedom of the City. However, he later left the club to take on the job at his boyhood club, Tottenham. Redknapp’s biggest achievement with Spurs came in 2009-10, as the North London club achieved Champions League qualification for the first time.

However, since retiring from the sport, his passion for horse racing has led to him appearing frequently on ITV Racing. His most successful horse in training is Shakem Up’Arry, who was the winner of the Plate Handicap Chase at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival. He will be hoping that the runner can develop into a Grand National contender in 2026.