There is something about horse racing that feels magical, don’t you agree? On top of that, horse racing has always been considered a luxury sport, where high-class people attend the races. Therefore, it shouldn’t surprise us that there are many musicians that are horse racing enthusiasts.
After all, it only takes one race that you watch after becoming a die-hard fan of the sport. Horse racing is also a global sport, where we can find popular races on every continent, from the United States to England, China, and even in Melbourne and South Africa.
So, the question is: Which are the most popular musicians who have a soft spot for horse racing? We all know that most of them travel to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby, but most of them do that only for the clout that this event gets, not that they are horse racing enthusiasts.
Therefore, we are looking for the real ones, the ones that are attending even local horse racing events just because they are amazed by the sport.
Toby Keith
We start with a legendary name from the music industry – Toby Keith. He was a country music singer, record producer, actor, a businessman, and someone who loves horses. He founded Dream Walkin’ Farms, which was an Oklahoma-based thoroughbred breeding and racing operation back in 2001.
He was a die-hard fan of the sport, and throughout his life, he owned more than 200 Thoroughbreds, and his horses got more than 1,000 wins. Unfortunately, Keith passed in February 2024 after a long battle with stomach cancer, but his spirit in the world of horse racing continues to thrive.
Ronnie Wood
If you love the Rolling Stones, then the guitar wizard Ronnie Wood should be your favorite of the group. Why? Well, not because of his insane guitar skills, but just because of his passion for thoroughbred racing.
He is a true horse racing fan, and we can spot him at big events like the Irish Derby. Ronnie is also invested in the industry, as he owns a farm near Clane, Ireland, and has bred over 18 horses since the 1990s. This is not one of the biggest or most popular stables, but at least it shows that Ronnie is a true horse racing fan. His horses are still racing in Reland, Sweden and England.
You can definitely find Ronnie at big events like the Dublin Racing Festival, giving off that rockstar charm.
Wood’s creative fire fuels his breeding empire, where horses are his rock ‘n’ roll masterpieces.
MC Hammer
We’ve heard country singers and rock stars becoming horse racing fans, but we rarely hear about hip hop artists who are invested in the sport. Do you still remember MC Hammer? Well, if not, it’s not your memory to blame since MC Hammer rose to the top and fell right back down in just a couple of years, and horse racing is the reason for that.
MC Hammer is known for songs like “U Can’t Touch This”, and after getting tons of success in the music industry and a couple of Billboard hits, he decided to open his Oaktown Stables in California. This stable once housed 19 Thoroughbreds, and he even owned horses like Lite Light, who won Grade I races like the 1991 Kentucky Oaks and Santa Anita Oaks.
But horse racing is an expensive sport, and after that, he didn’t get much success from his horses, and the operational costs were enormous. That’s why he decided to file for bankruptcy years later. Also, some say that MC Hammer was a big bettor and loved to wager money on horse racing.
To be honest, who isn’t? But if you want to place a bet, make sure to do some research and scout the best horse betting websites.
His love for racing’s high stakes echoes his entrepreneurial hustle. Hammer’s flair for spectacle finds a home in racing’s adrenaline, keeping him a trackside legend.
Bono
Bono, U2’s charismatic frontman, brings his lyrical passion to horse racing, a love tied to Ireland’s equestrian heritage. A longtime Irish Derby attendee, Bono has co-owned racehorses with bandmate The Edge, including runners at UK tracks like Newmarket. In 2025, he’s spotted at Galway Races, adding star power.
Bono calls racing “electric,” celebrating its cultural significance. His horses, often poetically named, reflect his artistic side, though specific wins are less documented.
Ownership details are sparse but confirmed; he’s more fan than breeder. Bono’s storytelling soul embraces racing’s drama, making him a trackside poet with Irish pride.
Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart, the raspy-voiced legend behind “Maggie May,” is a horse racing devotee whose love for the sport spans decades. Stewart has owned racehorses since the 1980s, with runners competing at UK tracks like Epsom Downs.
In 2025, his stable includes horses racing in minor UK meets, though none have clinched major titles. He’s a regular at Ascot, where his flamboyant style—think tartan suits—turns heads.
Stewart’s passion stems from racing’s glamour, which he compares to a rock concert’s buzz.
No heavy breeding focus; he’s in it for the spectacle and bets. Stewart’s showman spirit thrives on racing’s theatrics, where he’s as much a star as the horses.
These are some of the musicians who are also big horse racing enthusiasts. Yes, the list is long, and we have names like Pharrell Williams, Mick Jagger, Jack Harlow (another rapper), Lil Nas X, and Benny Andersson, so there must be something that pulls these artists towards the sport.
Is it their ticket to make more money or are they just passionate about the sport?
