Former Liverpool and England star Michael Owen was at Goodwood this week to see horses trained by the boss of his Manor House Stables, Hugo Palmer
Michael Owen attended Goodwood Racecourse this weekend
Michael Owen attended Goodwood Racecourse this weekend
(Image: @RacingTV)
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has ignited a fashion row by refusing to wear socks at Goodwood races. The former striker was at the course this week supporting horses trained by Hugo Palmer, the boss of his Manor House Stables.
Their luck was in on Friday when Seagulls Eleven (11-4) sported the colours of a Brighton FC players' syndicate to triumph in the Group Three Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes.
However, Owen wasn't merely discussing equine matters during the five-day racing extravaganza, as his choice of footwear became a talking point.
"He's not wearing socks. He should have his feet cut off and shouldn't be allowed on the racecourse," Manor House Stables trainer Palmer joked on Racing TV, after Owen donned beige shoes without hosiery earlier in the week.
"I was stood here not knowing whether to laugh or cry. Am I right or wrong? !" Owen hit back.
Owen showing the TV crew he was wearing shoes without socks
Owen showing the TV crew he was wearing shoes without socks
Following the broadcast, racing enthusiasts weighed in on the matter, which sparked considerable controversy during Royal Ascot week. "Hey who cares, Michael looks very smart, good on ya!" one supporter declared on social media.
"You don't wear socks with loafers. Good job you listened to your daughter," another chimed in. Yet a third responded with a disgruntled emoji, posting: "No socks!!!"
Gentlemen arriving sockless at the Royal meeting in Berkshire were informed they must purchase them if unprepared.
Royal Enclosure regulations stipulate attendees must don a jacket, collared shirt, tie and socks, which must cover the ankle. The dress code for Goodwood isn't as stringent, with the website stating 'gentlemen (and boys aged 16 and over) are required to wear a suit jacket, long-sleeved collared shirt and a tie, along with full-length trousers to all 19 racedays' in its premier Richmond enclosure.
Owen opted for a pair of blue suede shoes on Friday, when Seagulls Eleven triumphed for a team of owners led by his mate James Milner.
Prior to the interview, where he expressed his pride in the horse, presenter Lydia Hislop mentioned: "We are just chatting about sock-gate from the other day when Hugo Palmer pointed out to Michael Owen that you should have your feet cut off if you didn't wear socks with shoes!"
Owen responded: "That's what he said didn't he and apparently it went a bit viral. I'm not sure whether it was my dance before you panned up for the reveal. You can see whose advice I have listened to, I have gone no socks again with a blue suede shoe today."
Palmer's stable had a memorable afternoon when Ardisia clinched the Hawes and Curtis Nursery Handicap at odds of 20-1. This double followed closely on two Ascot victories at Group Three level last Saturday, via Fitzella (Sodexo Live! Princess Margaret Stakes, 6f) and Cheshire Dancer (Longines Valiant Stakes, 1m).
"That's three Group winners in six days for the yard so we are absolutely thrilled," added Owen. "I'm immensely proud of the team.
"Everyone works tirelessly hard for moments like this. It starts with me having a friend James Milner, an old teammate of mine and he went to Brighton and I revved him up to buy a horse, another and another - now they have four with us and we have had a lot of success with them."