Michael Owen Daughter Gemma Set for Jockey Debut at Goodwood Charity Race

Gemma Owen, the 22-year-old daughter of former England football star Michael Owen, is preparing to make her debut as a jockey in the Markel Magnolia Cup at Goodwood Racecourse on July 30. The all-female charity race, held on Ladies' Day, has raised £3.5million over 15 years for causes supporting women and children.

Gemma Owen is set to make her jockey debut just like her father Michael Owen

Although Gemma is an accomplished dressage rider who has represented Great Britain since age 11, she admitted she had never ridden a racehorse until recent months. She is now undergoing intensive training at the British Racing School alongside retired jockey Franny Norton to prepare for the unique demands of flat racing.

Gemma will take part in a race for the first time

Gemma, who gained wider recognition on Love Island UK season eight in 2022, shared her excitement about the challenge. "The training has been humbling," she said. "Seeing how a racing yard runs like clockwork at Manor House Stables has been an incredible experience."

The former England star's daughter will compete in July

Her father Michael, the former Liverpool and Manchester United striker, founded Manor House Stables in 2006 and now collaborates with Classic-winning trainer Hugo Palmer. The facility houses more than 140 horses, including Gemma's dressage partners. Michael himself rode in a charity race at Ascot in 2017, finishing second in The Prince's Countryside Fund event.

Reflecting on that experience, Michael said: "It was better than I expected. That was probably the fastest I've ever been on a horse. Considering I'd only sat on a horse six months earlier, I'm chuffed." Gemma hopes to match her father's enthusiasm when she takes to the Sussex track this summer.