Michael Owen prepares for horse racing debut at Ascot today
Published:
Not many former Ballon d’Or winners have ridden a winner at Ascot.
But come 12:15 this afternoon, Michael Owen could be adding his name to that so far rather threadbare list.
That’s because the ex-Manchester United and England striker will ride the Tom Dascombe trained Calder Prince in The Prince’s Countryside Fund Charity Race just after midday.
It will be Owen’s debut as a jockey after enjoying years of success as a racehorse owner and breeder.
The Liverpool legend always showed a great turn of pace in the final third – now he just needs to transfer that to the final furlong.
However, things may be a little difficult on Calder Prince.
Since being gelded in October 2016, the son of Dark Angel has clocked up just a single win in 15 runs on the flat.
He’s showed some promise over 7f at least, and that should give Owen a chance.
And while we’re not offering a price on the 37-year-old becoming 2018 Champion Jockey just yet, he can take encouragement from previous celebrities that have jumped in the saddle.
Former Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton enjoyed a brief jump racing career between 2015 and 2016.
Her most famous race came when finishing fifth in the Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham just over a year ago.
And don’t forget HRH Prince Charles.
The heir to the throne rode a small number of races as an amateur back in the 1980s, including at Cheltenham, where he was a faller.
Owen has a slightly easier task over the flat today.
Plus, if he is a faller this afternoon, at least on this type of turf he won’t be booked for diving.
Click here for the latest Horse Racing odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
