Antoine Griezmann horse Hooking to run at Newcastle as World Cup winner eyes success on UK debut

World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann is ready to make a splash in the UK, but not on the football field. He's looking forward to a big race in horse racing.

Griezmann, who was the star player in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final, loves horse racing when he's not playing football. He's been involved in horse racing for three years and had a big win when his horse Txope won the German 1,000 Guineas in 2022. He owns Hooking, a horse that has won 11 races. Hooking will be racing in Newcastle at the BetUK Easter Classic over 10 furlongs on Good Friday. Hooking was the first horse Griezmann got and trained with Philippe Decouz. The horse has done really well in France, winning two big races this year, reports the Mirror.

Decouz said: "Hooking is in top form. The race at Newcastle was a logical choice following his winter program. He doesn't go on heavy ground and so there is not a race for him in France at the moment. This race at Newcastle is a handicap and the timing is perfect.

"His preparation has gone smoothly and he will be running on his preferred surface and distance. We are hoping there will be pace in the race.

"This is a first runner in the UK for his owner Antoine Griezmann and also for me. It is a great challenge. Hooking has been in my yard for seven years now, so we have a long history! And he is in remarkable condition for an eight-year-old. We have always looked after him and given him regular breaks."

French horses have a good record on Finals Day with six wins from 26 runners, but they've never won the BetUK Easter Classic. Yann Barberot, who had a winner with Bouttemont in the Sprint in 2022, has high hopes for Fast Raaj in the BetMGM All-Weather Championships Mile Handicap.

Fast Raaj was just beaten by Hooking