There might be a bit of horse-racing chat in the Albion changing room these days.

Headed by James Milner, several players are part of a syndicate who saw Seagulls Eleven secure a third place at the Curragh this weekend.

Their two-year-old was returning to action after a three-month lay-off.

The Two Plus Three Plus Two Plus Four group also have Seagolazo and The Flying Seagull, each of whom had a win at Chester in the summer, under their wing.

Now Georginio Rutter has joined the squad with an interest in racing which dates back to his days in France but became more serious when he arrived in Yorkshire to play for Leeds.

After his full debut for the Seagulls against Ipswich, Rutter caught up with how his horse had got on at Doncaster while he was playing.

Not Joao Pedro but an eight-year-old named Bopedro, who came home a close second as it turned out.

Rutter spoke football when he met with a small group of reporters after the game.

But he laughed and happily played ball when the subject was then turned to racing.

He said: “When I was young I was with my dad at the racecourse. I enjoyed it. When I came to England I saw a lot of stables.

“I visited one stable with David O’Meara (the York-based trainer) and I bought one.

“I enjoyed it, bought a second and now you know the story.

“It was always a passion. I hope I am going to win some trophies as well with the horses.

“But the most important is football.”

Rutter is delighted to have Danny Welbeck as a stable-mate at his new club.

The two teamed up against Ipswich and have been working hard at training.

Rutter said: “In France I played Danny Welbeck on Playstation, something like this.

“He is a good guy. I learn a lot with him, speaking in training.

“He is not a top player who stays on the side, a bit arrogant. He helps a lot.

“I enjoy playing. If I play ten minutes, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, I am happy.

“Now it is about the club, not only me.

“If Joao scores I am happy for him, if I score he is happy for me.

“This is the good quality of this club because it is a good family.

“We have good potential. I hope at the end we have a big gift for the fans, for the club.

“Probably Europe. I don’t know because it is the beginning of the season.”