Michael Owen announced as guest presenter for 2018 UK Stud and Stable Staff Awards

Former England football star and racehorse breeder and owner Michael Owen has been announced as the guest presenter for the 2018 UK Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards.

The awards, now in their 14th year, recognise and reward the outstanding skills, commitment and contribution of racing’s 6,000 stud and stable staff. Sponsored by Godolphin and run by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) in association with the Racing Post, there is more than £120,000 in prize money on offer, with up to £40,000 available to a single yard or stud.

Michael Owen will join ITV Racing’s Ed Chamberlin, who will host the awards, on stage at the Jumeriah Carlton Towers Hotel on Monday, 19 February, in front of an audience that will include the 18 finalists, their colleagues and families together with leading industry representatives, politicians and media.

Since retiring from football, Owen has enjoyed success as a racehorse breeder and owner with Brown Panther, who won the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2011 before later landing a G1 win in the 2014 Irish St Leger.  He recently made his debut as a jockey, finishing second at Ascot in November 2017 in a seven-furlong charity race in support of the Prince of Wales’ Countryside Fund.

Michael Owen said: “I’ve had a lifelong love of horseracing and have been lucky enough to get more involved in the sport as an owner and breeder since retiring from football, I’ve witnessed just how hard the staff work and how much they care for their horses.

“These awards are a great chance to recognise the thousands of hours that go in away from the cameras and to say thank you. I can’t wait to meet the winners and I’m sure it will be an exciting and inspiring night.”

Presenter, Ed Chamberlin said: “Presenting these awards for the first time last year allowed me to see the outstanding dedication, expertise and workmanship of the stud and stable staff, who are at the heart of this great sport. I hope we’ve also showcased that pivotal role and passion on ITV Racing.

“I’m sure this year’s ceremony will be no different and I’m looking forward to joining Michael in recognising the incredible individuals who do so much behind the scenes of British racing.”