It's a knockout! Tyson Fury gives permission to have horse named after him

Rebel Racing's Phil Cunningham has already enjoyed success with boxing-themed horses like Rumble Inthejungle and has teamed up with Tyson Fury to have a horse named in honour of the former heavyweight champion.

Fury is undefeated in 28 bouts, his 27 victories including a stunning success over Wladimir Klitschko, while he produced a Sprinter Sacre-esque comeback last year to draw with Deontay Wilder.

Tyson Fury the horse is an unraced two-year-old and will be trained in Newmarket by Richard Spencer.

The Rebel Racing team, who enjoyed Group 3 success with Rumble Inthejungle at Goodwood last season, are excited about a potential Qipco 2,000 Guineas bid with debut winner Thrilla In Manila, and now have Tyson Fury to look forward to as well.

Rebel Racing's boxing theme has already been successful due to Rumble Inthejungle's exploits last seasonCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Cunningham, who formed Rebel Racing, said: "We sorted out a meeting with Tyson to explain that we wanted to name a horse after him.

"He said he was a big horseracing fan and was looking forward to seeing and being involved with the horse. We had a super chat with him and he's excited too.

"Tyson is an absolute star and he's a big man – it's not until you stand next to him you realise how huge he is. He was in great form, singing songs and all that. He's a great character.

"I hope it's the start of him getting more involved in racing, maybe we'll see him in a top hat in June!"

The two-year-old is by Iffraaj and out of Za Za Zoom, whose progeny includes Listed winner Eirene and Newmarket maiden winner Colour Me Happy.

Cunningham added: "He's a lovely horse and we think a lot of him, he's very strong and powerful, so quite like Tyson himself.

"He's entered for the Derby in 2020, and we hope he can live up to our Classic hopes for him.

"Richard will be doing the talking with Tyson. If he has a losing bet and he's unhappy, I'll let Richard deal with him!"

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