There are few more fashionable ways to show wealth than by getting involved in the Sport of Kings. However, it would be unfair to suggest that celebrities only get involved in racehorse ownership to be seen at the track, as some will also have a long-lasting fascination with the sport.
Horse racing is one of the most followed sports in the world, with the major events on the calendar such as the Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot typically seeing stars from all walks of life taking in the action at the track.
However, just because celebrities will have direct links to trainers doesn’t mean that they will always know the best horse races to bet on. But, who are some of the Hollywood stars that have opted to invest their money into the racing industry by buying thoroughbreds?
Dame Judi Dench
There are potentially few more celebrated actresses in the history of cinema than Dame Judi Dench. The British actress has enjoyed a versatile career on stage and screen, with her career spanning over seven decades.
Dench’s breakthrough came during the 1950s after performing in several Shakespeare plays. She would progress into television and film soon after, beginning with a recurring role in comedy series A Fine Romance.
Dench would gain critical acclaim for various performances, which included Oscar nominations for her roles in Mrs Brown, Mrs Henderson Presents, and Belfast. However, away from acting, Dench is a huge sports fan, typically attending Everton matches in the Premier League.
The actress would also get involved in racing, owning shares in As De Mee and Smokey Oakey. The latter would win seven times from 55 starts under rules, which included Group Three honors at Sandown Park.
Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg is largely regarded as one of the most influential film makers in history. The Ohio native was a major figure in the New Hollywood era, and has helped create some of the most iconic movies in history.
Spielberg holds the record for being the highest-grossing film director in history, and he has won three Academy Awards. His first steps in directing came on television after overseeing episodes of Colombo and Night Gallery.
However, he would later become a household name following the mainstream success achieved by Jaws in 1975. Further box-office smashes would soon follow, including E.T., the original Indiana Jones trilogy, and Jurassic Park. However, his love for horse racing would catch light after directing the movie ‘Seabiscuit’.
This would ultimately lead to the director buying a 10% share in a horse called Atswhatimtalkingabout. It would be a successful move, as the colt would finish fourth in the 2003 Kentucky Derby.
Matt Damon
Matt Damon is one of the biggest names in Hollywood in this modern day, and he was previously named among the most bankable stars by Forbes in 2007. Damon is one of the highest-grossing actors in history, and has won some of the most prestigious awards, including an Academy Award and two Golden Globes.
The American’s breakthrough came in the 1997 release ‘Good Will Hunting’, before he became a dependable leading man in films such as ‘The Talented Mr Ripley’ and the Bourne Franchise. Damon’s star would continue to rise after starring in the Ocean’s trilogy alongside George Clooney and Brad Pitt.
Further success would then follow throughout the 2000s after starring in The Departed, Ford v Ferrari, and most recently Oppenheimer. The latter is his highest-grossing feature.
However, aside from film, Damon has a number of sporting interests and is an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox. The actor would later get involved in horse racing during his time in Australia and buying shares in a colt named Dale. However, the runner is yet to win on track.
Sean Connery
Few actors have been as recognisable in a single role throughout their professional career than Sean Connery.
The Scottish actor portrayed James Bond in seven movies between 1962 and 1983, with his last starring role coming in Never Say Never Again. Away from Bond, Connery would gain positive reviews for his performances in a number of other films, including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and The Hunt For Red October. Connery would later become the first Scottish actor to win an Academy Award for his performance on The Untouchables.
Away from acting, Connery was a huge lover of horses. His most famous runner would come in the form of Risk Of Thunder, who won the La Touche Cup on seven occasions.
The cross-country thoroughbred would also achieve notable victories on racecourses, winning 13 of his 39 starts over fences. Among those included successes at tracks such as Punchestown, Listowel, and Fairyhouse. Risk Of Thunder would also compete once over the National fences at Aintree, finishing seventh of 23 runners in April 2000.
