Rob Gronkowski Buys Stake In Horse Named After Him

Rob Gronkowski has another Gronkowski in the family to cheer for, but this one will take to the horse racing track rather than the football field. The Patriots tight end announced Wednesday that he has purchased a stake in a three-year-old colt named Gronkowski. The racing horse has earned a spot in the Kentucky Derby and will compete in the annual "Run for the Roses" May 5.

“This horse is a winner and I love a winner,” Gronkowski (the person) said in a release. “When I heard about the racehorse being named after me, I started watching and got really stoked when he started winning. He’s won his last three races and is now headed to the Derby. I’m all in: Welcome to the Gronk Family, Gronkowski the Horse!"

The horse has an outside shot to win the Derby. A few weeks ago, Gronkowski won the Burradon Stakes in England to earn a spot on the track at Churchill Downs

The colt will be shipped to Churchill Downs from Noseda’s stables in Newmarket, England, a week before the Derby, and soon thereafter the football star will be introduced to his equine namesake for the first time, according to a release.

Image: Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski at the 141st Kentucky Derby. Credit: Robin Marchant/Getty Images for Churchill Downs