After having traded in his cleats for a pair of riding boots long ago, former English footballer Michael Owen finally put his new kicks to good use this past Friday (November 24), as he got up into the irons and competed in his first-ever horse race.
As an article by The Telegraph explains, Owen faced off against nine other amateur riders in a charity race at Ascot. The contest was in support of the Prince’s Countryside Trust.
Owen, who was aboard Calder Prince, made his move as the field was straightening for home. The duo gave it a good run through the stretch and were right up in contention for the lead, but ultimately finished a respectable second.
"They seemed to go really quick, it was the fastest I've ever been on a horse, but the horse slowed into the back and whipped up on the inside and all of a sudden I was in front – I was thinking 'come on now.’ But that was a long way (out) and I got very tired in the last furlong,” Owen said afterward.
"It was such good fun and I'm really pleased with the whole outcome. My horse ran a cracking race and I'm delighted to be second.
"I'd like to think plenty of good will come out of it, lots of money raised for charity. We're all home in one piece and I had the time of my life."
(With files from The Telegraph)