Celebrities Who Own Racehorses You Didn’t Know About
Horse racing is typically a sport that is associated with luxury, meaning that it is little surprise that the rich and famous have dipped their tie into the life as a racehorse owner.
Some have experienced major success, while other have had smaller investments due to a passion in the sport.
Horses owned by celebrities have typically attracted interest in the betting, but it is always important to study more important factors than owners when making racing picks, as explained here: twinspires.com/betting-guides/beginners-guide-betting-horse-racing/
So, who are some celebrities that have owned racehorses?
MC Hammer
MC Hammer is one of the most recognisable musicians of his era, gaining huge traction during the 1980s and 90s with releases such as ‘U Can’t Touch This’ and ’Pumps and a Bump’.
However, it was the former of those that would see the American become a household name, leading him to be featured as a Mattel doll and star in a Saturday morning cartoon show called ‘Hammerman’. Away from the spotlight, Hammer had a passion for horse racing.
His biggest success would come with Lite Light, who was a filly that landed major prizes such as the Kentucky Oaks and Coaching Club American Oaks.
Toby Keith
There were potentially few more passionate celebrity horse racing fans than Toby Keith. The country superstar burst onto the scene in the 1990s following the chart-topping release of ‘Should’ve Been a Cowboy’. He would later release four studio albums, which would all be certified as gold or higher.
Throughout his music career, Keith released 19 studio albums, achieving 61 charted singles on the Hot Country Songs Chart, including 20 number ones. Away from music, horse racing was a major passion. Keith established the Dream Walkin’ Farms in 2001, with the operation winning over $15 million in prize money.
A lifelong dream was realised posthumously, as he would have a first ever runner in the Kentucky Derby with Render Judgement in 2025. Other top horses for the country superstar included graded winners such as Cactus Ridge and Smack Smack.
Kevin Costner
One of the most celebrated actors of his generation, Kevin Costner, is also a passionate horse racing fan. The 71-year-old has been honoured numerous times throughout his career, winning two Academy Awards and three Golden Globes.
Costner’s prominence emerged when starring in the 1987 release of ‘The Untouchables’, before gaining positive reviews for his roles in ‘Field of Dreams’, ‘The Bodyguard’, and ‘A Perfect World’. Away from the big screen, he also gained accolades for his performances in television dramas such as ‘Hatfields & McCoys’ and ‘Yellowstone’.
Throughout his life, Costner has co-owned racehorses, including Proudtobetogether, who he owned alongside Jim Wilson. His passion for the sport has also stretched to his work, voicing the narration in ‘Laffit: All About Winning’.
William Shatner
William Shatner is one of the most iconic North American actors in history, having been a focal point for millions throughout their lives due to his role in the Star Trek franchise.
The Canadian first starred at Captain James T. Kirk in 1966, and would continue to play the role until 1994. Aside from the famous franchise, Shatner also starred in multiple critically acclaimed shows such as 3rd Rock from the Sun and Better Late Than Never.
The Canadian has enjoyed major success on equine sports away from acting, being a hugely successful breeder at his home-owned Belle Reve Farm in Kentucky. Multiple superstars have come through his operation, including Sultan’s Great Day, who was a two-time World Champion, and Track Star, who won at the 2019 Kentucky State Fair.
Matt Damon
Matt Damon is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation, and ranked as the most bankable star in Hollywood in 2007. His success on the big screen also saw him named one of the highest-grossing actors of all-time in 2010. His performances have seen him win multiple major honours, including an Academy Award and two Golden Globes.
Damon’s breakthrough came in 1997 after starring and writing Good Will Hunting alongside lifelong friend Ben Affleck. His reputation as a leading man was born after starring as Jason Bourne in the Bourne Franchise between 2002 and 2016. His list of films includes a number of classics, including ‘Saving Private Ryan’, ‘The Departed’ and ‘Oppenheimer’. Away from film, Damon is a passionate horse racing fan, owning a runner named Dale. The horse was named after a character in the movie ‘Step Brothers’, and is trained by Paul Messara.
Despite making a slow start to his career on track, he recorded multiple victories in 2025. Damon’s passion for the sport has evolved since owning the horse, and revealed that an offer was turned down from Hong Kong for the middle distance runner in late 2025.