The daughter of ex-Liverpool and Manchester United star Michael Owen is set to follow in his footsteps as she prepares to make a sporting debut
Michael Owen and daughter Gemma Owen arrive on day one of the Qatar Goodwood Festival 2024 at Goodwood Racecourse
Michael Owen will soon see his daughter Gemma Owen ride at Goodwood(Image: PA)
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Michael Owen's daughter Gemma is preparing to make her debut as a jockey in the Markel Magnolia Cup on Ladies' Day at Goodwood. Her England legend father also took part in a charity race back in 2017 at Ascot.
The 22-year-old shot to fame on season eight of Love Island UK in 2022 and is equally an accomplished dressage rider who has proudly represented Great Britain, having competed since the age of 11.
Former Liverpool and Manchester United star Michael also shares a deep passion for horses, having founded Manor House Stables in 2006. He is currently collaborating with Classic-winning trainer Hugo Palmer on the Flat and his yard is home to over 140 horses, including his daughter's dressage competitors.
The pair will cross disciplines in July, however, when Gemma mounts a racehorse and takes part in an all-female jockey charity race. While Gemma is well-versed in dressage, the sheer pace of the track will be an entirely new challenge, and like all her fellow competitors, she will be undergoing rigorous training in preparation.
The Markel Magnolia Cup is scheduled for July 30 at Goodwood Racecourse in Sussex. In the 15 years since it was first established, the event has raised an impressive £3.5million for charities dedicated to supporting women and children.
Gemma Owen on the gallops
The Love Island star will take to the track in July(Image: Goodwood Racecourse)
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All participants, including Gemma, will receive instruction at the British Racing School ahead of the event. The TV star has been working alongside retired jockey Franny Norton.
Gemma's father has previously completed a comparable challenge, riding Calder Prince at Ascot nine years ago, coming second in The Prince's Countryside Fund Charity Race.
Discussing her upcoming jockey debut, Gemma said: "I'm really looking forward to taking part in the Markel Magnolia Cup this year. Believe it or not, I had never sat on a racehorse until a couple of months ago and the training so far has been humbling to say the least.
"Spending more time at Manor House Stables, seeing how a racing yard runs like clockwork and getting out onto the gallops, has been an incredible experience.
Gemma Owen with her dressage horse
Gemma is a seasoned dressage rider(Image: Goodwood Racecourse)
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"It is an even bigger challenge than I initially expected but I'm excited to take part in such a prestigious fundraising event which raises so much money for charities supporting women and children."
Gemma will be hoping for as thrilling a ride as her father enjoyed in 2017, who delivered a glowing assessment after the race. Michael said: "I love it, it was better than I expected.
"It went really quick early on. That was probably the fastest I've ever been on a horse. It was a long straight and I got very tired on the last furlong. I'm a million miles away. I'm making a start and considering I've only sat on a horse for the first time six months ago, I'm chuffed."
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