The worlds of football and horse racing are closely intertwined, with stars from both sports often colliding either on track or at famous stadiums. That has never been more evident than in 2024, with legendary managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Harry Redknapp both walking into the winners’ enclosure after famous victories at the Cheltenham Festival.

As one of the world’s most loved teams, Arsenal has also enjoyed a close relationship with horse racing throughout history, with many of their star players typically being seen at the racecourse. But, who are some of the most famous Gunners that have an association to racing?

Thierry Henry

There have been arguably few more talented players throughout history to don the famous Arsenal shirt than Thierry Henry. The Frenchman enjoyed an excellent eight-year stay in North London with the Gunners, winning the Premier League title on two occasions.

Henry departed the Emirates in 2007 after breaking the all-time scoring record for the club, and he was also the runner-up for the Ballon d’Or in 2003. Henry has huge sporting passions outside of football, and is often seeing attending NBA games during his time in the USA. However, horse racing also has a special place in his heart, and he was recently invited to the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket to support Ramatuelle alongside part-owner Tony Parker.

However, he was unable to cheer the filly onto success, with the Christopher Head-trained runner eventually finishing third behind Elmalka and Porta Fortuna.  Who knows if we will see his horse among the Del Mar picks by TwinSpires.com?

Ian Wright

Another legendary Arsenal forward that shares Henry’s passion for horse racing is Ian Wright. The footballer, turned media personality, enjoyed a seven-year stay in North London, winning the Premier League title and both domestic cups. Wright was renowned for his speed and finishing ability, and left the Gunners as the club’s all-time leading scorer.

The 60-year-old has ventured into racing in recent years, and was part of media campaign alongside Arsenal fan and former champion jockey A P McCoy in 2017. McCoy rode the Arsenal star’s horse on the gallops ahead of his racecourse debut.

However, the equine star could never reach the same sporting heights as Wright, winning just ten times from 71 starts under rules before being retired in December 2021. Following Born To Finish’s retirement, Wright hasn’t dipped back into race horse ownership.

Ray Parlour

Arsenal fans still have a special place in the hearts for Ray Parlour, as the ‘Romford Pele’ was a boyhood fan of the club that spent 12 years in North London. Parlour was often the unsung hero for the Gunners throughout his career, and was a firm fan favourite for his off-ball commitment.

The midfielder played over 460 times for the Gunners during his career, scoring 32 goals. His most famous moment for the club came in 2002, as he scored in the FA Cup final against Chelsea. Parlour would leave the Gunners in 2004 after winning the Premier League on three occasions, as well as recording four FA Cup successes and the League Cup.

Since retiring, Parlour has formed a dynamic duo on TalkSport alongside Alan Brazil. It is during Cheltenham Festival week that the duo’s love of racing comes alive, and Parlour is often a regular visitor at Jackdaws Castle; the home of Jonjo O’Neill’s training operation. A horse named in his honour- The Romford Pele, has won five from 16 starts over fences. Parlour’s love for the sport has seen him become a brand ambassador away from his life on the radio, and he regularly posts tips and opinion pieces about the latest action on the National Hunt calendar.