Tyson Fury Ventures into Horse Racing with New Filly Debut Ahead of Oleksandr Usyk Rematch
Tyson Fury Ventures into Horse Racing with New Filly Debut Ahead of Oleksandr Usyk Rematch
Tyson Fury, the former heavyweight world champion, is gearing up for a new challenge beyond the boxing ring. While he prepares for a highly anticipated rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, the 35-year-old is also stepping into the world of horse racing. This Friday night, Fury will make his debut in the racing scene at Newmarket, one of the sport’s most prestigious venues, with his new filly, ‘Big Gypsy King,’ set to make her racecourse debut.
The filly, who is just two years old, is trained by Darryll Holland, a former Group-1 winning jockey who has transitioned to training horses. ‘Big Gypsy King’ is scheduled to compete in the 5.45 maiden race, which is the second race of the evening fixture at Newmarket, famously known as ‘racing’s HQ.’ This debut marks a significant moment for Fury as he aims to extend his prowess from the boxing ring to the racing track.
Holland, who has expressed considerable enthusiasm about the filly’s potential, described ‘Big Gypsy King’ as a “very nice filly” with a “big build,” drawing a parallel to her owner. The trainer acknowledged the importance of Fury’s involvement in the sport, emphasizing how the global superstar’s entry into horse racing is a boon for the industry. Holland also mentioned that traditional ties between horses and Fury’s family have played a role in this new venture. The connection between Fury and the racing world was further strengthened through an introduction by Fury’s manager, Spencer Brown, which paved the way for the partnership.
Fury’s involvement in horse racing is not entirely new. In recent years, a horse named after him, trained by Denis Hogan, competed in the summer’s Royal Ascot. This horse, purchased by Qatar Racing shortly before the event, had experienced a significant recovery after battling illness for nearly two years. The horse’s participation in Ascot highlighted Fury’s previous, albeit indirect, association with racing.
Despite his burgeoning involvement in horse racing, Fury has not yet visited the Harraton Court Stables in Exning, where ‘Big Gypsy King’ is trained. His busy schedule has kept him from making a personal visit, but he has stayed informed about the filly’s progress through videos. Holland’s commitment to Fury’s racing ambitions is evident in his willingness to travel to Saudi Arabia to witness Fury’s fight with Usyk in May, demonstrating a mutual respect and growing relationship between the trainer and the boxing star.
Looking ahead, Fury is set to return to the boxing ring later this year, with a highly anticipated rematch against Oleksandr Usyk scheduled for December in Saudi Arabia. This fight is part of Fury’s broader plan to continue his boxing career, despite speculation about his potential retirement. Fury has made it clear that he has no intention of stepping away from the sport in the near future. He has outlined an ambitious series of fights, including the Usyk rematches and potential bouts with Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou.
In February, Fury dismissed retirement rumors, stating, “I ain’t retiring – I’ve got two fights with Usyk for the undisputed, twice. Then I’m going to fight AJ [Joshua] at least once, maybe twice, if there’s a rematch – if he wants one after the first battering I give him. Then I’m going to fight [Francis] Ngannou again. And that’s just the start. So there are five little fights for you to whet your appetite with. I ain’t going nowhere. Nowhere. I’m 35 years old and in the prime of my life and I’m ready to smash…”
As Tyson Fury embarks on this new chapter in horse racing while maintaining his focus on an illustrious boxing career, the intersection of his athletic pursuits reflects his diverse talents and unwavering determination. The debut of ‘Big Gypsy King’ at Newmarket is just one example of how Fury is expanding his horizons, all while gearing up for his next significant challenge in the boxing ring.
