Thierry Henry In Newmarket: Is The Arsenal Legend A Horse Racing Fan?

There is a clear correlation between horse racing and football, with many of the stars from the latter being regular visitors to the track. That has been evident throughout 2024, with legendary managers such as Harry Redknapp and Sir Alex Ferguson achieving success with runners at the Cheltenham Festival.

However, horse racing is also incredibly popular in France, with some of the biggest flat races of the season being staged within the nation. Football stars from the region have also taken a keener interest in the sport within recent history, with Antoine Griezmann enjoying success on track with the horses that he owns.

But, is Arsenal legend Thierry Henry now among the most famous footballers to have an interest in horse racing? Is he looking for the best horse racing bet of the day or he is just a casual guest?

Henry In Attendance For Classic

Henry isn’t a star that is regularly seen on track in Europe, but his long-awaited first appearance on the racecourse came earlier this year as he was one of a large number of people that were invited to support a French raider in the G1 1,000 Guineas.

The second Classic of the season in the United Kingdom is often a star-studded affair, with millions watching the field of fillies compete over a mile around the world. Such is the success of horse racing that Henry was invited to the track by the horse’s owner Tony Parker.

Parker is the proud owner of Ramatuelle, who is trained by legendary French trainer Christopher Head. Henry and Parker have been friends for an extended period, with the former NBA star moving to France since his retirement from the sport due in part to his involvement with the Infinity 9 racehorse stable.

Parker’s huge reputation is a massive benefit to the sport of horse racing, as he is using his status to raise awareness of racing in France. Such is his success already that he has already been part of the winning connections of the French 1,000 Guineas winner.

Head Excited For Henry Meeting

Parker and Head revealed that Henry would be among the entourage invited to the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket in the lead up to the race in the United Kingdom. Head is a massive football fan, and was hugely excited about meeting the Arsenal invincible before the race in May.

However, there wasn’t to be a winning experience for the Arsenal star at Newmarket, as Ramatuelle could only finish third in the race. Connections were slightly disappointed that she wasn’t able to get the better of Elmalka, as she struggled over the distance and finished over half a length behind the eventual winner.

But, connections still have big targets for the multiple-time group winner, as a potential run at Royal Ascot in June has been teased. Henry may once again be invited to attend the meet, which is largely regarded as one of the most exciting on the calendar in the United Kingdom. However, connections will be hoping that the former Gunners skipper will bring better luck with him next month.

Gunners Interest In Horse Racing

Henry is by no means the first former Arsenal star to have had a passing interest in horse racing, as it was a hugely popular social event for stars at the club throughout the 90s and 2000s. Paul Merson was a renowned horse racing fanatic, but his interest in the sport has dipped since a recurrence following his gambling addiction.

Ray Parlour is one of the most avid horse racing fans that has previously played for the Gunners, with the FA Cup winner regularly in attendance throughout the Cheltenham Festival.

Such is his desire for the sport that he also works on the pre-race day coverage alongside Alan Brazil on TalkSport, with the duo typically recording the breakfast show from Jackdaws Castle, which is the training base of Jonjo O’Neill. Parlour has also dipped into horse racing ownership throughout his career, but he is yet to reach the same heights that have been achieved by Redknapp and Ferguson.

Ian Wright is another Arsenal legend that has a huge interest in racing. The former striker is part of the Born to Finish syndicate, which has already produced winners at Lingfield and Kempton Park. Wright has worked closely with A P McCoy to start the ownership, and there will be more runners carrying his silks in the future.

A Horse Of Interest For Arsenal Fans

A number of horses have been named after footballers and managers throughout history, but one recent winner that would have captured the attention of Arsenal fans is Highbury.

The three-year-old trained by Irish maestro Aidan O’Brien was tilted for a potential run in the Derby earlier this year, but he could have other Classic goals on the agenda. He was an excellent winner over a mile and four at Leopardstown in mid-May, and connections could be pointing the runner toward a go in the St Leger later this season.