An Austin Powers actress, Downton Abbey actor and eccentric TV chef? Elizabeth Hurley, Hugh Bonneville & Heston Blumenthal are all part of the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing Network syndicate and have enjoyed success on some of the most valuable race courses in the world Picture: Getty

Including the Al Naboodah Travel Trophy at Meydan, Saudi Arabia, won by Acolyte in January 2017. — An Austin Powers actress, Downton Abbey actor and eccentric TV chef? Elizabeth Hurley, Hugh Bonneville & Heston Blumenthal are all part of the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing Network syndicate and have enjoyed success on some of the most valuable race courses in the world Picture: Getty Including the Al Naboodah Travel Trophy at Meydan, Saudi Arabia, won by Acolyte in January 2017.

placeholder image — An Austin Powers actress, Downton Abbey actor and eccentric TV chef? Elizabeth Hurley, Hugh Bonneville & Heston Blumenthal are all part of the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing Network syndicate and have enjoyed success on some of the most valuable race courses in the world Picture: Getty Including the Al Naboodah Travel Trophy at Meydan, Saudi Arabia, won by Acolyte in January 2017.

Bonneville, Dench, Spielberg, Vorderman: As the Grand National looms, did you know these famous people have owned racehorses?

By Steve Bone

Published 14th Apr 2023, 08:30 BST

Updated 17th Apr 2023, 13:30 BST

The Grand National is upon us once again, with over 70,000 people attending Aintree races across three days – which culminate in Saturday’s Grand National, the No1 horse race in the world.

Among the avid punters, it can be quite common to see a few famous faces also enjoying one of the biggest weekends in horse racing history, whether that be in the stands or inside the paddock, cheering on a horse of their own.

Betting.com has revealed ten of the biggest faces who have owned their own racehorses, from footballers to actors and TV presenters, but how many of these 10 – including West Sussex’s Hugh Bonneville – did you know had such involvement in the sport? And are there any notable names you can add to the list?

The presenter of his own controversial tabloid talk show is also very much into horse racing. Jeremy Kyle has owned shares in several racehorses, including Give Me a Copper, which he co-owned with Sir Alex Ferguson.

9. Jeremy Kyle

The presenter of his own controversial tabloid talk show is also very much into horse racing. Jeremy Kyle has owned shares in several racehorses, including Give Me a Copper, which he co-owned with Sir Alex Ferguson. Photo: Alan Crowhurst

The 2011 movie War Horse, was not Steven Spielberg’s first experience working with horses. It turns out that the acclaimed director of The Fabelmans is also a keen stable man. Spielberg had shares in a horse called Atswhatimtalknbout, which came 4th in the 2003 Kentucky Derby.

10. Steven Spielberg

The 2011 movie War Horse, was not Steven Spielberg’s first experience working with horses. It turns out that the acclaimed director of The Fabelmans is also a keen stable man. Spielberg had shares in a horse called Atswhatimtalknbout, which came 4th in the 2003 Kentucky Derby. Photo: Dia Dipasupil