A horse owned by players from Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, including Premier League veteran James Milner, is set to compete in the prestigious Golden Eagle race at Randwick on Saturday. This event marks a significant moment as the team aims to secure the $10 million prize, hoping to replicate last year’s success when Lake Forest triumphed in the same race for trainer William Haggas and owner Tony Bloom, who also owns the football club.
The horse, named Seagulls Eleven, is a nod to Brighton’s nickname and will carry the club’s blue and white colours. Notably, Brighton striker Danny Welbeck is among the owners, although neither he nor Milner will be present at the event. Instead, they will be focused on Brighton’s upcoming match against Leeds United.
Trainer Hugo Palmer, who has a history with Australian racing through his time with Gai Waterhouse at Randwick, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity. Despite this, he noted that there was some division among the players regarding the decision to send the horse to Australia.
“When they bought him as a yearling, all the players were with Brighton, but at least one of them has since left,” Palmer explained. “There was actually a bit of division in the ownership when it came to the Golden Eagle. A few of them were against rolling the dice and writing a big cheque to come to Australia.”
Despite the differing opinions, Milner was keen on the venture, having played a pivotal role in bringing the players together to invest in Seagulls Eleven. Palmer acknowledged the unique pressures professional athletes face, stating, “The horse has given the players a lot of pleasure. But professional sports stars are a lot busier than most of us expect; they work hard and don’t have as much free time as you’d think.”
As the Golden Eagle approaches, the excitement is palpable among Brighton players and fans alike, who hope for another triumph on Australian soil. With the race carrying not just a substantial financial prize but also a chance for international recognition, all eyes will be on Seagulls Eleven as it navigates the competition at Randwick.
