There are few sports that have enjoyed as many cross-overs in recent memory than football and horse racing. Footballers and managers are constantly pictured at the racetrack, with some even having the honour of owning talented runners that have performed to a high standard on the course.
Therefore, it is no surprise that there will be huge interest in how to bet the 2025 Breeders’ Cup online later this year, as fans look to find winning selections in some of the world’s most famous races. But, who are some of the famous Arsenal players throughout history that have had a passion for horse racing?
Ian Wright
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has a longstanding interest in horse racing, and he has also experienced success on the track due to his involvement with the Crowd Racing Partnership. Wright has also taken his love for the sport to the next level, as he had the opportunity to take on racing legend A P McCoy in a series of challenges for the British Horse Racing Association. On the field, Wright was one of the most celebrated players in Arsenal’s history.
The legendary striker played for the Gunners for seven years, scoring a then-club record tally of goals. Wright played his role in a successful period for the team, winning the Premier League/FA Cup double in 1997-98. The striker would also feature for England on 33 occasions, scoring nine goals.
Thierry Henry
Arsenal’s most talented player in history also has a love-affair with horse racing. Henry is rarely seen at the track, but he was in attendance for the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket a couple of years ago to support his close friend’s horse in the British Classic.
The French World Cup winner has also attended the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in his home land, indicating his passion for all things equine. Henry is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, finishing as the runner-up in the FIFA World Player of the Year rankings in both 2003 and 2004. The Frenchman also holds the record for the most FWA Footballer of the Year wins. Henry signed for the Gunners in 1999, and he would quickly become one of the team’s most important players.
Across an eight-year stay, Henry would become the club’s leading goalscorer, and also form an integral part of the team in the Invincible campaign in 2003-04. However, his legendary stay at Arsenal ended after moving to Barcelona for three years at the Nou Camp in 2007.
Alan Ball
One of the most successful Arsenal player’s on the racetrack is Alan Ball. The 1966 World Cup winner was a passionate fan of the sport throughout his career, and this would continue following his retirement. His standout moment on the track came in 2004 when Pic Up Sticks won the Airline Cup.
Ball was also regularly in attendance at the track throughout the 2000s after forming a tight friendship with footballer-turned-horse trainer Mick Channon. Ball was most famous for being part of the England World Cup-winning team, but he also achieved success at club level during a five-year stay at Arsenal.
During his time at Highbury, he was part of the team that reached the FA Cup final in 1971-72. Ball’s career would span across 23 years, before retiring and turning his hand to management. As a manager, Ball would achieve moderate success across stints with Southampton, Portsmouth, and Exeter City. However, Ball sadly passed away after suffering a heart attack in April 2007.
Ray Parlour
In the modern-day, there are few more synonymous Arsenal legends to horse racing than Ray Parlour. The former midfielder is regularly pictured at the track, and is a constant throughout the Cheltenham Festival alongside TalkSPORT co-host Alan Brazil.
Parlour’s love for racing has also seen a number of ventures into ownership. There is also a horse named after the Arsenal star called the ‘Romford Pele’. The jumps horse was a star throughout his career, and event enjoyed success at Cheltenham before running in the Grand National and Irish Grand National. On the field, Parlour gained cult hero status across his 12-year stay at Arsenal. His most memorable moment came in the 2002 FA Cup final after netting in the victory over Chelsea. During his time at Arsenal, Parlour played 466 games, and scored 32 goals.
It would also mark a very successful period for the team, winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups. Parlour would continue his career at Middlesbrough, before eventually ending his career in 2007 at Hull City. However, the midfielder did briefly come out of retirement in 2012 to play for Wembley in the FA Cup. Parlour remains a prominent figure in both football and racing due to his radio involvement on the TalkSPORT network.