Football legend's “equestrian” daughter, now a celebrity | OneFootball

British equestrian Gemma Owen, daughter of former footballer Michael Owen, is preparing to take on a new challenge in the horse world: she will compete in the Markel Magnolia Cup for the first time, a prestigious women-only charity race that will take place on July 30 during Ladies Day at the Goodwood Festival in Qatar. The young professional dressage rider and presenter is thus following in her father’s footsteps, as he competed in a similar event in 2017.

The Markel Magnolia Cup, which since its creation in 2011 has raised more than $4.5 million for causes linked to women and children, will donate this year’s funds to the Education Above All organization. The competition, recognized for its charitable nature and for attracting personalities from the equestrian world, represents a milestone for women in sport.

Gemma Owen had never ridden a racehorse before. In comments reported by The Sun, she said: “I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Markel Magnolia Cup this year. As unbelievable as it may seem, I had never been on a racehorse until a couple of months ago, and the training so far has been, to say the least, a learning experience. Spending more time at Manor House Stables, seeing how a racing stable runs so perfectly, and going out on the gallops has been an incredible experience.”

Why the term horsewoman? In the equestrian world, the word refers to women who ride horses and traces directly back to the warrior women of Greek mythology. This term not only identifies the practice, but also expresses the historical relationship between female skill and the horse.

The concept of the horsewoman is inspired by the legendary figure of female warriors who, according to tradition, stood out for their skill in battle and mastery of the horse. This mythological heritage remains alive today through the presence of women in different equestrian fields.

The English rider, who represents Great Britain in dressage and gained media notoriety after appearing on Love Island in 2022, also explained: “It’s an even bigger challenge than I initially expected, but I’m excited to take part in such a prestigious charity event that raises so much money for charities supporting women and children.” It is worth noting that Owen trains at Manor House Stables, owned by her family and managed by trainer Hugo Palmer.

Michael Owen himself, former striker for Liverpool, Real Madrid, and the England national team, made his debut as a rider in 2017 when he rode Calder Prince in a charity race at Ascot, where he finished in second place. He is now accompanying his daughter through the process, along with Palmer and former jockey Franny Norton, winner of 12 group races. Both are advising Gemma as she adapts to the speed discipline, which is very different from dressage.

The Magnolia Cup requires all of its participants to undergo a rigorous preparation process, which includes months of training and aptitude tests at the British Racing School before taking on the 5-and-a-half furlongs (approximately 1,100 meters) of the final straight at Goodwood Racecourse. Previous editions of the race have featured figures such as Ella Dettori, daughter of renowned jockey Frankie Dettori, and Thea Gosden-Hood, daughter of trainer John Gosden.

This year’s edition reinforces the importance of family tradition in the race. Gemma Owen, in addition to receiving the support of those around her, joins a list of women who have brought visibility and funding to social projects through sport. The Magnolia Cup has cemented its prestige as a charitable platform, keeping the focus on promoting initiatives that benefit women and children both in the United Kingdom and internationally.

The race will take place on July 30 and, according to the event schedule, will be one of the highlights of the Goodwood Festival, which brings together thousands of spectators and the leading figures of British horse racing. Gemma Owen’s participation marks a new chapter in the family’s history, now linked to both dressage and speed racing, under the banner of uniting sport and solidarity.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.