Owen Nets Horseracing Ambassadorial Role
Former England striker Michael Owen has agreed a new deal to become an ambassador for the QIPCO British Champions Series, a collection of flat races that culminate at Ascot on British Champions Day in October.
The former Manchester United, Newcastle, Real Madrid and Liverpool star, who is also well-known for holding a keen interest in horseracing and owns several prominent racehorses, will provide advice, insights and support in the new role for the Series in 2013 and beyond.
Owen will also aim to help the sport to promote itself more effectively to new audiences and keen sports fans.
The Series, which was staged for the first time in 2011, takes place over 27 racedays and comprises five championship categories, namely Sprint, Mile, Middle Distance, Long Distance and Fillies & Mares.
QIPCO British Champions Day, the climax of the Series, is Britain’s richest raceday with more than £3 million in prize money. Last year, Frankel was again the star of the show on Champions Day, which will take place this year at Ascot on 19th October.
Michael Owen’s top long distance performer, Brown Panther, is a likely runner on QIPCO British Champions Day in 2013 where he’s expected to take on The Queen’s filly Estimate, recent winner of the Ascot Gold Cup.
Rod Street, chief executive of British Champions Series commented: ‘We’re delighted to have Michael as part of our team. He brings a wealth of knowledge from the footballing world which, combined with his deep understanding of horseracing and global profile, will help us immensely to bring new audiences to racing.’
‘We are committed to confirming the role of British Champions Series as one of the UK’s key sporting highlights alongside events such as the Ashes, Wimbledon and FA Cup Final, and believe Michael’s profile and industry knowledge will speed our progress towards this goal.’
‘British horseracing hosts many of the most important races in the world with British Champions Day providing the highest-rated race on the planet two years running. With Michael’s help we can get this message to more sports fans.’
Michael Owen, who scored 150 goals in the Premier League and 40 for England,
added: ‘I’m delighted to be able to utilise my experience from Premiership football and my passion for racing in order to bring younger audiences into the sport. Flat racing in Britain is the best in the world and the QIPCO British Champions Series and Champions Day showcase races no sports fan should miss.’
Michael’s interest in the sport includes co-ownership of the Manor House Stables in Cheshire, a racing yard established by Michael and his wife in 2007. Last season, the Stables sent out a record 81 winners, overseen by trainer Tom Dascombe. Other owners in the yard include footballers Wayne Rooney, Charlie Adam and Peter Crouch.
