Michael Owen scores as jockey

JOCKEY Michael Owen is not to be confused with his racing-mad footballer namesake, but the experienced showjumper added another string to his bow with a winner on his very first ride at Wolverhampton.

Like the Manchester United striker, the 31-year-old was born in Cheshire but the similarities end there and he had the right ammunition in his father Jon's Albero di Giuda (6-1) to win the amateur Riders' Handicap. "My main job is selling event horses and I'm still doing the eventing, but racing's in my blood and I've always thought I would love to have a go at it," said Owen.