AS the Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival hits its peak with today’s headline race, the Gold Cup, we’ve listed the footballers who have moved from the pitch to the paddock.
1. Charlie Austin
The former Southampton talisman is into horse racing more than most other footballers, so much so that he hosted a topical podcast called the Studs Up Podcast with horse racing presenter Oli Bell.
Poole Town’s alumni forward also owns a number of horses and is the founder of his own racing syndicate Excel Racing.
2. Burnley Squad Collective
More Turf Racing syndicate is the collective of former Burnley players such as Ben Mee, Matt Lowton and Ashley Westwood.
It is headed up by Jack Cork and Chris Wood, and features Ballon D’or winner Michael Owen as one of its trainers.
3. Thomas Muller
The German footballer and self-proclaimed comedian owns a horse called ‘Thebeautifulgame’ alongside former teammates Claudio Pizarro and Alvaro Odriozola.
Alongside his 756 caps for former club Bayern Munich, the Vancouver Whitecaps star can also boast of having a race-winning horse who has been referred to as “a good filly”.
4. Wayne Rooney
While Wazza may have not succeeded yet in management, he does win the award for owning the horse with the best name, Switcherooney.
Alongside his wife Colleen, Rooney has put in over £200,000 for their horses however, they have failed to reach the career success of their owner having only won one race.
5. Harry Redknapp
Probably the most notable football-related horse owner at the moment, Redknapp is in a great position ahead of the Gold Cup with his horse being favourite to win.
His horse Jukebox Man won the King George VI Chase in December and whilst Redknapp is rumoured with a return to Spurs, he’s got a safe gig in horse racing.
