Professional footballers often enjoy both ample disposable income and significant leisure time, allowing many to pursue hobbies beyond the football pitch. For several, horse racing has become a passionate pastime—something they can engage in as more than just spectators or bettors. Unlike most fans, many players actually own and train racehorses, blending their wealth with their interest in racing. This trend is particularly strong at Newcastle United, where several players and staff have invested in horse ownership over the years. Proximity to Newcastle’s vibrant racecourse, a hidden gem in the UK racing scene, has only encouraged this enthusiasm.
Michael Owen
Among the most notable horse racing enthusiasts is Michael Owen, who first developed a love for the sport in his youth, helping his father with weekly horse racing bets. Though Owen’s career with Newcastle was marred by injuries and criticism that he was more interested in racing than in football, he has found great success in the sport post-retirement. Owen’s Manor House Stables, managed by up-and-coming trainer Tom Dascombe, trains over a hundred horses, many co-owned with his former football colleagues, including Wayne Rooney. Now a respected racehorse owner, Owen’s stables have consistently fielded winning horses, much to the satisfaction of racing enthusiasts who back them.
Mick Channon
Mick Channon is another footballer-turned-trainer, having made the switch after a distinguished football career, which included a brief period with Newcastle in 1982. Following his retirement in 1986, Channon worked as an assistant trainer before establishing his own operation in 1990. His training career has been impressive, producing esteemed racehorses, including Samitar, the winner of the Irish 1,000 Guineas in 2012. Channon’s success highlights a seamless transition from football to becoming one of the top trainers in horse racing.
Joey Barton
Joey Barton, a former Newcastle midfielder known for his outspoken persona both on and off the pitch, has also ventured into horse racing. His horse, Crying Lightning—named after a song by indie band Arctic Monkeys—is co-owned with Peruvian international Claudio Pizarro, underscoring Barton’s passion for both racing and indie music. Barton has remained a fixture in racing circles, frequently owning racehorses and following the sport closely.
Kevin Keegan
For Kevin Keegan, horse racing is a family legacy. His father’s winnings from the races reportedly funded his first pair of football boots, planting a love for the sport early on. After a distinguished career in football, Keegan began investing in racehorses himself, many of which were trained by his former Southampton teammate, Mick Channon. Keegan even managed his own stables in Hampshire, further showcasing his deep-seated interest in racing.
Micky Quinn
Micky Quinn transitioned from being a celebrated goalscorer at Newcastle in the late 1980s to a career in horse training after retiring from football. Establishing his stables in Newmarket, Suffolk, Quinn pursued his passion for racing despite facing setbacks, including a temporary suspension of his licenсe in 2001 due to allegations of horse neglect. Nonetheless, he continued training until his recent retirement, leaving behind a legacy in both football and racing.
Chris Wood
Lastly, Chris Wood, the ex-Newcastle striker, has maintained this Newcastle tradition by co-owning horses that are trained at Owen’s Manor House Stables. His horse, Breathalyze, has achieved notable successes, with multiple wins and podium finishes. Wood’s involvement underscores a larger trend among Premier League players, who often form racing syndicates with teammates, cheering on their racehorses together.
From legendary players to modern stars, many Newcastle figures have found themselves as active participants in the racing world, transforming their enthusiasm for the sport into a rewarding pursuit beyond the football field.