It is not a very common situation that we encounter horse races in our everyday life. It is about something that is quite often the subject of debate, whether it is a sport or not, but also something that was much more popular a long time ago than it is today. Horse racing still exists on a large scale today, but it is popular only in some countries and takes place mainly for betting.
Since we love sports, we decided to take a look at horse racing for one simple reason, which is to show you that it is actually extremely interesting, and some of its features are essential in the development of many more popular sports today.
Horse Racing Is The Second Most Watched Sport In England
Football is like a religion in England and it is not at all surprising that on an annual basis by far the largest number of fans visit football matches. But if you don’t know what the topic of our text is and someone asks you what you think is the second most visited sport in England, there is really little chance that you would say horse racing. However, this is actually a truth and a fact that many people do not know. It is estimated that a fascinating 6 million people in England watch live horse racing on an annual basis, and that is truly an admirable figure.
Footballers and Horses
Interestingly, many sportsmen these days love horses and horse races and it’s a really interesting and unexplainable bond. For example, famous NBA star and MVP winner Nikola Jokic spends all summer with his horses and visiting horse races. Some say that he enjoys and loves horses more than basketball. Football players have interesting hobbies and interests outside the football pitch, and many of them enjoy betting on horse races or even owning a racehorse.
Michael Owen
He was supposed to become the young prince who would restore England’s throne at the “cursed” World Cup. But his peak career may have come too early, or he may have been struck down by misfortune, the kind we invoke in moments of inexplicable decline. However, Liverpool’s famous striker now has very different interests. The fact is that Michael Owen has felt on his own skin all the unexpected declines in his career over several years. The golden boy from Chester ended his career in 2013, after a series of injuries that made him end his career early but still, what are we talking about a player who won the Ballon d’Or, the Premier League, the UEFA Cup, the European Super Cup and 4 Cups trophies in England. Although his passion for football never died, the legendary English striker sought his fortune in a completely different and extravagant sport, which is horse racing. In 2017, he also completed his first race. It was a charity competition in which Michael finished in second place. Which is not bad for a rookie in this sport. He admits that it was not easy for him at the beginning and that he faced numerous problems while riding. Owen evokes the greatest memories for Liverpool fans. He wore the shirt of the “Reds” from “Enfield Road” from 1996 to 2004 and in 216 matches played he scored 118 goals. Owen bought Manor House Stables in May 2007, situated between Liverpool and Manchester in northwest England, the 170-acre operation houses 90 horses co-owned by several investors.
Jordan Henderson
Another famous Liverpool player and captain is known for his passion for horses and horse racing. His horse is called Mr. McCann, and the interesting part is that several other Liverpool players and former teammates are co-owners with Henderson, James Milner, T.A. Arnold, and Andrew Robertson. Henderson was part of the Liverpool squad that won the Premier League in 2019/2020 season and he made 492 appearances for this team. A true legend.
Robie Fowler and Steve McManaman
These two Liverpool legends also have a company that owns a racing horse. Their company is named The Macca and Growler Partnership, and their horses are very successful. Seebald, their most successful horse had several incredible wins in recent years, and it is a regular runner at Cheltenham Festival and Grand National Festival. However, he never won any of these races, but he finished 2nd at the Cheltenham Festival in the Arkle. If you are passionate about horse races at the Cheltenham Festival check Friday day 4 tips and enjoy the amusement with these graceful and fast animals.
There are many other football players and managers, especially in England that own racehorses like Wayne Rooney, Alex Ferguson, Joey Barton, Joe Cole, John Terry
