Footballer Michael Owen learns how to be a jockey

Former England player Michael Owen is having lessons on how to be a jockey – and he’s being taught by none other than champion jockey Ryan Moore.

“Ryan Moore is one of the best jockeys in the world so who better to give me my first riding lesson?” said Michael.

“As a lifelong racing fan, I knew that the job of a jockey wasn’t easy but as a former professional sportsman I was surprised by just how tough it was. I went on the mechanical horse at the British Racing School to ride the equivalent of the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes which will be run on Champions Day and even though it was only for a few minutes it left my legs feeling like jelly.

“Having someone like Ryan next to me making it look like a walk in the park really shows the level of strength and fitness these guys have.”

Michael Owen is a QIPCO British Champions Series ambassador, and has had a long running passion for horse racing owning numerous horses, including Brown Panther whom he bred himself. Owen owns the training stables Manor House Stables, based in Cheshire.

Watch the video here.

Footage courtesy of QIPCO British Champions Series.

For tickets to QIPCO British Champions Day on Saturday 15^th October at Ascot Racecourse, visit bcseri.es/ChampionsDay