Football and horse racing may seem like very different sports, but both demand elite performance, sharp instincts, and a deep competitive drive. Over the years, several famous football figures have carried their passion for winning from the pitch to the racetrack, either as owners, breeders, or trainers. With research from Bet442, here are five football stars who successfully crossed into the world of horse racing.

1. Sir Alex Ferguson

Few names loom larger in football than Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary former Manchester United manager. Away from Old Trafford, Ferguson developed a serious interest in flat racing and became a prominent racehorse owner.

He has owned and co-owned numerous high-quality horses, many trained by top Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien. His involvement brought him success at the highest level of the sport, including Group 1 victories. Ferguson often spoke about the similarities between managing elite footballers and managing top-class racehorses, both requiring patience, planning, and trust in expert staff.

2. Michael Owen

Former England striker Michael Owen has arguably made the biggest impact in modern horse racing among footballers. A lifelong racing enthusiast, Owen founded Manor House Stables in Cheshire, transforming it into a fully operational professional training yard.

As an owner and breeder, Owen enjoyed major success with Brown Panther, winner of the 2015 Dubai Gold Cup and one of Europe’s top stayers. Owen has been vocal about his love for the sport, regularly discussing bloodlines, training methods, and the business side of racing with the same passion he once showed for football.

3. Kevin Keegan

Former England manager and Liverpool legend Kevin Keegan also ventured into horse racing, becoming a racehorse owner during and after his football career. While his involvement was lower-profile than some of his peers, Keegan consistently supported the sport, owning horses that competed in British flat racing.

His participation reflected a broader trend of footballers investing in racing not just as a hobby, but as a serious sporting interest requiring long-term commitment.

4. Mick Channon

Mick Channon represents one of the most remarkable cross-sport transformations in British sporting history. After a successful football career with Southampton and England, Channon didn’t just enter horse racing; he reinvented himself within it.

Channon became a top-class racehorse trainer, building a training empire from his West Ilsley yard. Over the years, he has trained multiple Classic winners and hundreds of race winners in the UK and abroad. His post-football success in racing is widely regarded as one of the finest second careers in sport.

5. Wayne Rooney

England and Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney also tested the waters of horse racing through ownership. Alongside his wife Coleen, Rooney owned racehorses that competed in British flat racing, most notably Switcharooney.

While racing was never his primary focus, Rooney’s involvement highlighted how the sport continues to attract football’s biggest names, drawn by the thrill, prestige, and unpredictability of racing.

Final Thoughts

From legendary managers to prolific goal scorers, these football stars found new challenges and excitement in the horse racing world. Whether as owners, breeders, or trainers, Sir Alex Ferguson, Michael Owen, Kevin Keegan, Mick Channon, and Wayne Rooney all proved that the competitive spirit driving success on the football pitch can translate powerfully to the racetrack