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Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting buy racehorse from Michael Owen and pick perfect name

Darting duo Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting have entered their latest business venture together by purchasing a race horse from England legend Michael Owen's stable

[Faith Millar and Luke Littler attend day 2 'Ladies Day' of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse]

Luke Littler has purchased a race horse(Image: Getty)

Luke Littler has entered his latest business venture with darts rival Stephen Bunting.

The pair might be rivals at the oche, but they are now partners away from the bright lights of the Ally Pally - with the 18-year-old world champion, from Warrington, and Liverpool thrower, 41, purchasing a horse from former Liverpool, Manchester United and England striker Michael Owen's stable. The horse will be called 'Bunting Mental' and will be trained by Hugo Palmer.

Palmer, who will train the horse at Owen's Manor House Stables, has led horse Seagulls Eleven to success in the past - who is owned by a group of Brighton footballers including Danny Welbeck. And the darting duo will be hoping for similar success.

[Luke Littler interacts with during his match against Stephen Bunting]

Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting are business partners(Image: Getty)

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Speaking about the partnership, Palmer said: "It's great having people from all different sides of the sporting arena as owners with us and it will certainly add some interest when the horses run.

"It's not going to make them run any faster, but it's all good fun. He's named Bunting Mental keeping on the darts theme.

"He's by Ardad, but quite big and is a nice horse. We've liked everything we have done with him so far, but I don't think we'll see him until summer.

[The horse will be trained at Michael Owen's stables]

The horse will be trained at Michael Owen's stables(Image: STUART ROBINSON)

"I've only spoken to them via WhatsApp, but they seem very enthusiastic and up for it. They are very excited about the whole journey."

Littler was back to his very best on Thursday evening - as he put on a darting show despite loud boos in Liverpool.

Speaking after his nightly win, beating Johnny Clayton in the final, the avid Manchester United fan said: "It was a good night. I'm very happy with myself. Usually the doubling is not there, but I'm very thankful it was tonight. A lot of crucial doubles at crucial times.

"I'm very close to Jonny now, three points off. I'm going to go chasing - I want to finish top once again - and if it's not to be, it's not to be. But there's still four weeks to go.

"It is what it is [crowd booing]. I've won and we move on to next week. Rotterdam was way louder than this tonight. This week was nothing compared to last week.

"But I've just got to forget about it. I was focussed, I definitely wanted to win tonight and that's what I've done."

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