Michael Owen, the former England striker, has found a new passion in horse racing, a pursuit he shares with his daughter, Gemma Owen. The father-daughter duo are offering a glimpse into their world at Manor House Stables in Cheshire, as documented in the new six-part Amazon series "Meet the Owens." Michael Owen, who retired from football in 2013, has dedicated himself to horse racing, owning and operating Manor House Stables for over two decades.
A Family Affair
Manor House Stables, overseen by Michael Owen and trainer Hugo Palmer, houses over 130 horses and employs more than 50 staff members. Michael Owen described the venture as his "pride and joy" and "the most stressful thing in the world," yet he wakes up each morning excited to be there. The stables are equipped with modern facilities, including a swimming pool for horse recovery and stables designed with windows on both sides to cater to the horses' curiosity. The estate also features an electronic horse walker and an ice bath.
Gemma Owen, who gained fame on the reality show "Love Island," is actively pursuing a career as a professional jockey. She has been training as a dressage rider and recently finished fourth in the Magnolia Cup, a charity flat race. Gemma expressed her deep affection for the sport, stating, "I've just fallen in love with the sport. I don't want to give it up." She works alongside her father's riders and aims to obtain her amateur jockey license, with the ultimate dream of winning a race.
Beyond the Stables
Michael Owen's transition from football to horse racing has been described as all-consuming, similar to his approach to his previous career. He has experienced success at the highest levels of flat racing. The "Meet the Owens" series highlights not only their racing endeavors but also their luxurious lifestyle. The series is set to stream on Amazon Prime Video starting August 28.
The Owens' involvement in horse racing is also seen as an opportunity to attract a younger demographic to the sport. Gemma, with her significant social media following, aims to introduce her followers to the world of racing, leveraging its fashion element. "Racing is trying to attract younger people," Gemma noted. "It has a fashion element to it which does that."
Beyond Michael and Gemma, other family members are also involved. Michael's son, James, who is clinically blind, works behind the scenes at Manor House. His mother has also become more involved in the business.
The stables count a notable list of owners among their clientele, including current and former footballers such as Anthony Gordon, Andy Robertson, Paul Scholes, Steve McManaman, and Owen Hargreaves. Darts stars Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting are also among the owners, as is former footballer Sir Alex Ferguson, along with the Brighton Premier League squad.