VIDEO: Michael Owen learns to be a jockey

QIPCO British Champions Series ambassador Michael Owen has taken his first steps on how to be a jockey by Ryan Moore, as part of the build up to QIPCO British Champions Day – the end-of-season finale to the British Flat Season – at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 15th October.

Michael Owen said: “Ryan Moore is one of the best jockeys in the world so who better to give me my first riding lesson? As a lifelong racing fan, I knew that the job of a jockey wasn’t easy but as a former professional sportsman I was surprised by just how tough it was.

“I went on the mechanical horse at the British Racing School to ride the equivalent of the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes which will be run on Champions Day and even though it was only for a few minutes it left my legs feeling like jelly. Having a legend like Ryan next to me making it look like a walk in the park really shows the level of strength and fitness these guys have.”

Ryan Moore commented: “Teaching an ex international footballer how to ride was a first for sure. As Michael said, when you are a professional, it’s hard to get into the mind frame of a complete beginner but we got there with the basics.”