There have been many famous names from the football world that have ventured into racehorse ownership – some with more success than others.
The likes of Joey Barton, Harry Redknapp and Robbie Fowler have all seen their horses power to victory up and down the country but there have also been some owners that have sent shockwaves through the industry.
Cheltenahmfestival.net reveals the three footballing superstars that hit the horse racing headlines.
Sir Alex Ferguson
There is no better place to start than with legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scot has owned a number of horses but it was his legal battle over the ownership of superstar miler Rock Of Gibraltar that is remembered by most.
The Irish Colt was an ultra-successful horse and after he was retired Ferguson felt that he was owed tens of millions of pounds by fellow owner John Magnier. Ferguson argued that he had been given a fraction of the money and sued Magnier in 2003.
The manager settled for a one-off payment of £2.5million to end the saga but it was a story that dragged on for many months.
Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes is a joint-owner of Market Avenue Racing Club and he hit the headlines for his betting achievements in 2009.
The former Red Devils number 8 reportedly won £240,000 over two days of incredible betting on Howard Johnson horses.
He began his spree with a £1000 bet on Nosferatu at York and followed this up with separate bets of £20,000 and £25,000, meaning the bookies had to pay a cool £170,000 on that horse alone!
Scholesy clearly has as much skill in the bookies as he did on the pitch!
Michael Owen
Owen’s love for racing grew so strong that many people believe it was one of the reasons he retired from football. When he launched his multimillion-pound racing operation at Manor House stables in 2007 his attentions were clearly elsewhere and racing became his priority.
Globetrotting stayer Brown Panther has been Owen’s leading thoroughbred and a victory at Royal Ascot and a fantastic seventh in the Melbourne Cup has had the former England striker in tears on national TV.
