Horse racing is a global sport, the sport of people that knows no borders, nationalities, hobbies, passions, or anything in between. It is a sport that survived for thousands of years and continues to dominate the world of sports.

The excitement of the races and the adrenaline rush, the business opportunities, and the betting factor of horse racing drive people into the sport no matter their background. That’s why it is not strange to see baseball players interested in horse racing.

Over the years, we’ve seen many athletes who combine several different interests including horse racing, and there are quite a few MLB players who love watching races, or they went to become full-time investors in the sport. Whether they intend to place horse bet wagers or they are just casual followers of the sport it doesn’t matter.

There is a strange connection between baseball and horse racing, just because we’ve seen more professional MLB athletes that went on to become racehorse owners than any other sport. Who knows, maybe the baseball terrain makes them see some similarities in the world of horse racing.

People who are involved in the Sport of Kings would agree that it is a very difficult job, especially if you want to make money. Therefore, the only to continue with horse racing is if you are really passionate about it.

Let’s go through the list of MLB players who share a passion for horse racing and find out more about their goals.

Jayson Werth

Jayson Werth is a former MLB All-Star that decided to change its route. After playing for 15 years in the MLB Werth decided to retire in 2018. Since that moment, everybody thought that he would continue his involvement with the MLB, but Jayson Werth had a change of heart.

Werth decided to take horse racing as a hobby and since then, it became his passion and something to do in his retirement life.

He got so much into horse racing that decided to become a racehorse owner. In just a few years, Werth managed to buy a handful of horses, with Dornoch being one of the most popular ones. Even though he owns a stable called “Two Eight Racing” he co-owns most of his racehorse superstars like Dornoch.

Werth is one of few athletes who managed to get into the highest level of horse racing and even participated in the 150^th Kentucky Derby with Dornoch. This horse had quite a horrible day at the Kentucky Derby finishing 10^th place. But just as everyone wrote Dornoch with no chance to win any high-end races, he came back with a vengeance and won the Belmont Stakes.

It seems like Jayson Werth is quite happy with his investment as Dornoch managed to do the impossible.

Werth’s enthusiasm for horse racing is palpable. He describes the experience of owning a racehorse as exhilarating, even comparing a day at Churchill Downs to the Super Bowl.

Who knows what will his next plans be, but one thing is for sure. There is something telling me that Werth isn’t going to stop now until he gets his desired Kentucky Derby win.

Alex Bregman: A Family Tradition

Alex Bregman, the Houston Astros’ star third baseman, didn’t just stumble into horse racing; it’s a family tradition. Bregman’s grandfather used to take him to the track, skipping school to learn the ropes of racing. This early exposure cemented his love for the sport​​.

Bregman is absolutely obsessed with horses.

Today, Bregman owns eight racehorses, a testament to his deep-rooted passion. His team, Bregman Family Racing, celebrated when their horse, Cadillac Candy, made an impressive finish at Keeneland.

Bregman’s story is a delightful mix of nostalgia and modern-day success, showcasing how familial influences can lead to lifelong passions​.

Nestor Cortes: Harnessing the Racing Urge

Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes is another MLB player who’s deeply invested in horse racing. Growing up near Hialeah Park Race Track, Cortes was fascinated by the speed and power of the horses. This fascination led him to partner with Joe Lee, a Yankees assistant equipment manager, to own Tam Major A, an 8-year-old horse from Australia​​.

Cortes finds owning a horse to be a unique thrill, allowing him to appreciate the sport beyond just betting. His journey from watching races as a kid to owning a horse highlights the enduring allure of horse racing for those who experience its magic early on​.

Other MLB Players in the Racing Scene

Several other MLB stars share a similar passion for horse racing:

Johnny Damon: The former Red Sox and Yankees outfielder has been involved in horse racing for years, often seen at major racing events and owning several racehorses​​.

Paul Lo Duca: Known for his time with the Dodgers and Mets, Lo Duca has been an avid horse racing enthusiast, transitioning into a career as a horse racing analyst post-retirement​.