INTERVIEW 11

student racingWhat got you into racing?

MICHAEL OWENI first started taking an interest in racing when I used towatch my Dad picking his 3 horses to put in his 50ppatent on a Saturday. I then used to follow the topjockeys and trainers through the results section of thepaper and once I got an idea of the game, my Dad usedto let me pick one of his three horses.

student racingMost memorable moment in the sport?

MICHAEL OWENI have had some great times already but I'm sure the bestis yet to come! Treble Heights was my best horse. Whenshe came round the final bend at Chester in her first everrace with John Carroll sat motionless my heart skipped10 beats! She then ran some great races in Stakescompany including a Listed race win at Newmarket butthe best moment was when she came 2nd in a Group 2 inDeauville under Frankie. The whole day was fantasticand she tried her heart out in the searing heat to do usproud. Blue Jack winning a Listed race at Chester wasanother great day.

student racingHorse for students to follow next season?

MICHAEL OWENOf my horses I'm convinced Mr Macattack will win anice race one day.

student racingThere are lots of footballers in racing at the moment, isthis likely to continue?

MICHAEL OWENI think so. I am probably the most heavily involved in thegame but there are plenty of footballers that ownhorses, quite a few of them at my yard.

student racingDue to the competition in racing do you think yourstables can make it to the top?

MICHAEL OWENYes I do. Racing is so competitive but if me and mypartner Andrew Black didn't think we could compete atthe highest level we wouldn't be doing this. It may take abit of time but I'm convinced we will get there.

student racingBest horse in the yard?

MICHAEL OWENOfficially Blue Jack is the highest rated horse in the yard.Tom has done a fantastic job with him this year.

student racingHow heavily involved are you with the day to dayrunning of Manor House Stables?

MICHAEL OWENI dip in and out depending on my football commitments.Football comes first. I speak to Tom most days andprobably pop up to the yard on average twice a week.

student racingDerby or Premier League?

MICHAEL OWENPremier League. Ask me in 5 years and that may change!

student racingWhat’s more nerve wrecking... Having a runner in a bigrace or walking onto the pitch?

MICHAEL OWENHaving a runner in a big race. I can control my actionsplaying football but there is nothing I can do once thehorse and jockey leave the paddock bar cross my fingers!

student racingWe are taking you back in time, you’re a student... Why would you be going racing?

MICHAEL OWENWe all like different things in life. For me, Horses are themost beautiful creatures, speed is a massive thrill and theskill of trainer and jockey to teach a horse from such ayoung age how to race. It's also a great day out,especially at my home course Chester!

student racingMick Channon was a great England striker like yourself,could you imagine yourself following his career path intotraining one day?

MICHAEL OWENNo. I love my role as it is! Dealing with owners,getting up at 6am... no thank you!

Michael Owen

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