Horse racing is one of the world’s most followed sports, meaning that it is unsurprising that many sportspeople typically look to venture into the lucrative world of racing.
There have been mixed fortunes throughout history, with some achieving notable success, while others have faltered in their dreams of winning on the field and on the track.
Regardless, racing continues to be one of the most popular sports in the world, with many newcomers typically learning more about the odds here: http://twinspires.com/betting-guides/what-do-horse-racing-odds-mean/
So, who are some of the notable sportspeople that have achieved cross-sport success in racing?
Mick Channon
Reaching the pinnacle in one sport wasn’t enough for Mick Channon, as he sought after a new challenge after retiring from soccer. On the pitch, the striker was a revered forward, scoring 157 goals in 391 appearances for Southampton, and also enjoying spells in the Football League with Manchester City and Newcastle.
Channon would also represent England on 46 occasions between 1972 and 1977, scoring 21 goals in 46 games. However, he holds the record for being the most-capped Englishman without representing the nation at the World Cup or European Championships.
After retiring from soccer, Channon revisited his passion for horse racing, becoming a full-time trainer in 1990. His connection to soccer would see him train horses for figures such as Kevin Keegan, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Alan Ball.
Channon would achieve major wins on track during his training career, winning Group Ones in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Italy, and Canada. His most notable win would come in the Irish 1,000 Guineas with Samitar in 2012.
Victoria Pendleton
Competing at the highest level of sport is no easy feat, but Victoria Pendleton reached remarkable highs during her career. The British cyclist would win two Olympic titles, as well as World and Commonwealth gold during her time in the saddle.
Her most heroic moment came in her home Games in 2012, winning the gold in the Kerin and the silver medal in the sprint. Following the highs of the 2012 Olympics, Pendleton retired from track cycling, and immediately set her sights on achieving a dream on a different saddle.
She would challenge herself in the Switching Saddles challenge, taking on extreme training to become a jockey. A dream was realised at the 2016 Cheltenham Festival, finishing an excellent fifth in the Foxhunter Chase. Pendleton later revealed that finishing the race at Cheltenham was the ‘greatest achievement’ of her life.
Michael Matz
Olympians making their mark on the racetrack is a story shared by Michael Metz. The American was a key part of the U.S. equestrian team throughout his career, winning the silver medal at the 1996 Olympics in Team Jumping. Matz would also won the Team Jumping gold medal at the 1986 World Championships, as well as winning the top prizes at five editions of the Pan American Games.
However, Matz is most fondly remembered in this modern day for the success achieved as a racehorse trainer. The American transitioned into the sport in 1998, before going full-time in 2000 after failing to make the Olympic team. The 75-year-old has achieved victories in some of the world’s most famous races as a trainer, which includes the notable 2006 win in the Kentucky Derby with Barbaro.
Matz would also achieve further Triple Crown success in 2012 after training Union Rags to success. He also made his mark on the global schedule in 2006, winning the Breeders’ Cup Distaff with Round Pond.
Bode Miller
Bode Miller is regarded as one of the greatest American winter sport athletes of all-time. He competed as an alpine ski races, winning Olympic and World Championship golds during his time on the slopes.
Miller is the most successful male alpine ski racer of all-time, and ranks high on the lost for the greatest in World Cup history with 33 wins. In total, Miller won six medals at the Winter Olympics, and is one of just five skiers to have won Olympic honors in four different disciplines.
After retiring from the sport, Miller has been active in business, including ventures into horse racing. His multi-million dollar investment in American racing has seen him own several equines in partnerships, with the most notable coming in the form of the aptly named Fast and Accurate. During his time on track, he would win seven of his 24 starts, picking up over $630,000 in prize money.
His involvement in the sport has also ventured further than ownership, as the former skier has set up cutting-edge equine training facilities in Maryland. Here horses are able to best prepare for big races on the calendar using high tech equipment such as hyperbaric chambers and advanced aqua treadmills.
