The former Manchester United and England striker was at the track this week to cheer on horses trained by the boss of his Manor House Stables, Hugo Palmer
Michael Owen attends day 1 'Goodwood Cup Day' of The Qatar Goodwood Festival at Goodwood Racecourse on July 29, 2025 in Chichester, England.
Former Manchester United striker attended The Qatar Goodwood Festival
(Image: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen has ignited a fashion row by attending Goodwood races without socks. The former England star was at the course this week supporting horses trained by Hugo Palmer, the head of his Manor House Stables.
Fortune smiled upon them on Friday when Seagulls Eleven (11-4) sported the colours of several Brighton FC players to triumph in the Group Three Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes.
However, Owen wasn't solely 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," Palmer joked on Racing TV, after Owen donned beige shoes earlier in the week.
"I was stood here not knowing whether to laugh or cry. Am I right or wrong?!" Owen replied.
Owen showed the TV crew he was wearing shoes without socks
Owen showed the TV crew he was wearing shoes without socks
(Image: Racing TV)
Following the broadcast, racing enthusiasts voiced their opinions on the matter, which generated considerable discussion during Royal Ascot week.
"Hey who cares, Michael looks very smart, good on ya!" one commented on social media. "You don't wear socks with loafers. Good job you listened to your daughter," another remarked.
However, a third expressed disapproval with an unhappy emoji, posting: "No socks!!"
Gentlemen arriving sockless at the Royal meeting in Berkshire were informed they needed to purchase them if they hadn't brought any.
Royal Enclosure regulations stipulate that attendees must don a jacket, collared shirt, tie and socks, which must cover the ankle. However the dress code for Goodwood is not quite as strict, 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 chose a pair of blue suede shoes for Friday, when Seagulls Eleven triumphed for a syndicate of owners headed by his mate James Milner.
Prior to the interview, when he spoke of his delight in the horse, presenter Lydia Hislop remarked: "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 yard made it a memorable afternoon when Ardisia claimed the Hawes and Curtis Nursery Handicap at odds of 20-1. The double followed closely after two Ascot victories at Group Three level last Saturday, through 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," Owen continued. "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."