Stars from other sports typically have passions that far outweigh their own specialist profession, with many from the worlds of football, rugby, and cricket opting to spend their downtime at the horse racing.
The Sport of Kings has a reputation for attracting the world’s elite, with major meetings such as the Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot being popular options for days out with friends.
This year, there will be more sporting icons than ever before represented at the season-ending two-day meeting at Keeneland, and you can find out more about the 2026 Breeders’ Cup contenders here. However, who are the most famous rugby union stars that have a passion for racing?
There are few rugby stars that are seen more frequently at the race track than Mike Tindall. The former England international was part of the 2003 World Cup-winning team, and he earned over 75 caps for the nation between 2000 and 2011. The outside centre played his club rugby for Bath and Gloucester.
Tindall’s relationship with Zara Phillips enhanced his love for equines, with the daughter of the Princess Royal, winning the team eventing silver medal at the 2012 Olympics. Tindall and Phillips are typically in attendance for the biggest meetings on the racing schedule, including Royal Ascot and the Cheltenham Festival.
However, the rugby star’s passion for the sport also saw him invest in racing, purchasing Monbeg Dude alongside fellow rugby internationals James Simpson-Daniel and Nicky Robinson. The venture would be hugely successful, winning the Welsh Grand National, before finishing third at the Grand National at Aintree.
Jonathan Davies remains one of the most recognizable figures in rugby, contributing commentary for international rugby in Welsh and English. Davies was a hugely respected player across both codes, playing for Wales in both Union and League during his 15-year playing career.
Nicknamed Jiffy, he made his breakthrough at Neath, before enjoying club stints at Llanelli and Cardiff. During his time with the latter, he also made the unlikely conversion to League, playing for Widnes and Warrington.
Horse racing was always a passion for Davies, due in part to his relationship with his granddad. His most memorable moments in the equine sport came with his involvement of Potters Corner. The chaser was an excellent winner of both the Midlands Grand National and Welsh Grand National.
Following the latter, he was set to start as a short price to win the prestigious Grand National at Aintree, but the race was subsequently cancelled due to COVID-19. However, he is forever remembered as the winner of the Virtual Grand National of 2020.
There are few more passionate horse racing fans in the world of rugby than Alex Cuthbert. The English-born Welsh international played for Ospreys, Exeter Chiefs, and Cardiff Blues during his 13-year playing career.
At international level, he was a standout performer for the Welsh team between 2011 and 2023, scoring 85 points in 57 internationals. His performances would be rewarded in 2013 after being named in the British & Irish Lions squad. His best moment in a Wales shirt came in the 2013 Six Nations title decider against England, scoring two tries in the eventual win.
However, long before he was a recognised rugby international, Cuthbert’s main passion was equines. He had an equine background, due in no small part after growing up 15 miles away from Cheltenham Racecourse.
During his childhood, he would compete as a show jumper, riding Neapolitan II to regional success. After retiring from rugby, he would renew his passion for racing, co-owning Cottonvale and setting up a breeding venture alongside England international Jonny Hill.
There have been few more successful coaches in international rugby in recent memory than Warren Gatland. The New Zealand-born figure enjoyed success as a player, being one of Waikato’s longest serving players between 1986 and 1994.
However, his big impact on the game would come after turning his hand to management, leading Galwegians RFC to promotion in 1994, before winning three Premierships with the London Wasps.
In 2007, he would become manager of the Welsh national team, leading the country through a dominant era, which included three Six Nations titles; all of which were Grand Slams. The nation would also achieve their best showings at the World Cup, reaching the semi-final stages in 2011 and 2019. Gatland would also lead the British & Irish Lions in three tours, winning the 2013 trip to Australia.
He also has a huge passion for horse racing and is a typical visitor during the Cheltenham Festival. As well as this, he has owned many horses with trainer Tim Vaughan. His most successful was Rolling Maul, who won 15 of his 66 starts under rules.