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Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg's interest in horses does not stop at the movie set. He co-owned racehorse Atswhatimtalkingabout, which came fourth in the 2003 Kentucky Derby. He is also an investor in Biscuit Stables, the Delaware-based race trainers. Tim Whitby/Getty Images
Actor and director Kevin Costner, right, part-owns a number of racehorses which mainly run at Hollywood Park in California. He also supported the industry by voicing a documentary called "Laffit: All About Winning," celebrating the life and career of one of horseracing's most decorated jockeys, Laffit Pincay. Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Pop icon MC Hammer, or Stanley Kirk Burrell on his passport, invested in and created his own Oaktown Stables. Hammer owned 19 racehorses at one stage, including the multiple Grade 1 stakes winner Lite Light and the aptly named Dance Floor -- which was third at the 1992 Kentucky Derby. Evan Agostini/Getty Images
Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood runs Sandymount Stud in Ireland. He has also raced his own horses, including Sandymount Earl -- a gelding which won three times in three months at The Curragh, home of the Irish Derby. Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Songwriter Burt Bacharach, left, has owned horses since 1980 and has seen them run in the Dubai World Cup and the Breeder's Cup. He has had notable successes with three horses over a near 30-year ownership period: Soul of the Matter, Afternoon Deelites and Heartlight No. 1. Kevin Winter/Getty Images
American TV cook and celebrity restauranteur Bobby Flay is leading a new generation of celebrity into the racehorse business. He struck lucky on his first run, with Mrs. Kipling winning on her debut in 2009. Since then his horses have finished in the top three 16 times in 36 outings. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Soccer icon Alex Ferguson is a renowned owner of racehorses. Seen here with latest runner Forgotten Hero, the Manchester United manager was involved in a legal battle with Coolmore stud owner (and then major United shareholder) John Magnier about the stud fees of 2002 European Horse of the Year Rock of Gibraltar.
Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images
Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images
Racehorses are a popular subject in the Old Trafford dressing room, with former Manchester United striker Michael Owen also taking a big interest. He co-owns Manor House Stables -- the Cheshire-based racehorse trainers, as well as being the owner of a few horses himself. Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney initially bought three horses -- Pippy, Tomway and Switcharooney -- but it was Yourartisonfire who provided his first win at English course Haydock Park on July 5. Julian Herbert/Getty Images
Eddie Jordan (right) is no stranger to horsepower, having owned the Jordan Formula One team. The Irishman owns a number of horses in training with the Michael "Mouse" Morris stable in County Tipperary. Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
Britain's Queen Elizabeth is a renowned racehorse owner, with her first victory coming in her Coronation year of 1953 when Choir Boy won at Ascot. She is pictured here collecting the Queen's Vase after her horse Estimate triumphed at Royal Ascot this year -- her 21st win at the prestigious meeting. Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images
As owner of the prolific Godolphin stables, United Arab Emirates ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has seen his racing unit secure nearly 200 Group 1 victories around the world every year -- creating an annual prize fund of $16.8 million. Godolphin has stables in Dubai, Ireland and the UK. Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images
