Irish Footballers With Horse Racing Interest

The worlds of football and horse racing have seemingly always shared a unique bond in Ireland, whether that be in relation to the roaring crowds that these sports attract or the highly passionate nature of those involved. While footballers, in particular, are often associated with flashy lifestyles, there have been more than a few who have developed a strong passion for the racecourses too. From owning racehorses all the way to being a regular face at prestigious horse meetings and festivals, Irish footballers have long held an affair with the world of horse racing as a whole.

Why Are So Many Footballers Interested In Horse Racing?

It is actually not a coincidence that a significant number of professional Irish footballers have taken an interest in horse racing. For many of these, it is a natural extension of their competitive mindsets and not just a hobby. Both sports demand split-second decision-making, strategic approaches, and a deeper understanding of performance and overall form, all of which footballers have experience in.

On a more cultural level, however, horse racing is a deeply embedded aspect of Irish life. From big city race days at the Irish Grand National to more rural roots, many Irish athletes grew up surrounded by the legacy of racing. As a result, there have been a number of Irish footballers who have found a second passion in the thrilling world of horse racing, with some of the most notable ones being as follows.

Kevin Doyle

Former Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle is perhaps one of the more prominent names of an ex-footballer who has since turned into a horse racing aficionado. Making his name at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Reading, the Wexford native grew up surrounded by horses and racing culture. This was primarily due to his father, who was heavily involved in the sport, with this early exposure laying the groundwork for what would go on to become his post-football interest.

After calling it a day and hanging up his boots following a stint in Colorado at the end of 2017, though, Doyle became heavily involved in breeding and owning horses. He co-owns many horses with close friends and other family members, and he has spoken out in the past about enjoying his horses competing. The enthusiasm for the sport is not just casual, either, with the former national team forward ditching the pitch for the staples completely, taking a full hands-on approach by regularly visiting yards and recruiting top trainers.

Niall Quinn

One name that would be impossible not to mention when discussing the crossover of Irish footballers and horse racing is Niall Quinn. The former Sunderland striker who went on to become the chairman of the north east club for many years is one of the most influential figures in the Irish sporting world, with this being aided thanks to his involvement in multiple sports.

Not only has Quinn been a long-standing and passionate owner of many horses, but he has also invested in breeding runners too, working closely with a number of trainers across Ireland. One of his most famous horses is Screaming Eagle, with this consistent running at some of the UK’s most iconic racecourses. Beyond his own personal involvement, Quinn has been an especially vocal supporter of the Irish racing industry as a whole, using his public platform to highlight the importance of levies in sports, seeing him become a widely respected name in both racing and football circles.

Stephen Hunt

Known for his relentless energy at teams such as Reading and Brentford, as well as his flowing locks, Stephen Hunt has also made his mark on the racing scene. The now-retired winger has long been involved in the sport, and he has gone one step further by becoming an owner of racehorses. Hunt co-owns several runners, such as Devote and Leath Acra Mor, partnering up with trainer John O’Shea in doing so. Hunt is a frequent figure at the iconic Cheltenham Festival, with him being a fan of horse racing betting, all whilst also lending himself to a number of racing syndicates which sees him own shares in horses.

The Growing Connections Between Football And Horse Racing

The crossover between football and horse racing isn’t only confined to Ireland either, with a whole number of other prominent players who have connected with the sport on a professional level. Past players such as Michael Owen and Joey Barton are amongst two notable names who have their own runners, with current players like French talisman Antoine Griezmann and German icon Thomas Muller also having their own horses. With more and more players investing in ownership, forming syndicates and partnering with well-known trainers, it seems likely that this trend may only continue to grow in coming years.