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Manchester United striker Michael Owen celebrates success at Royal Ascot

THERE were tears of joy for Michael Owen at Royal Ascot as a horse trained at his Manor House Farm stables in Cheshire raced to victory in the King George V Stakes.

The former Flintshire schoolboy cried as Brown Panther was brought into the winner’s enclosure by jockey Richard Kingscote yesterday (Thursday).

Owen, who now plays for Manchester United, was overwhelmed by the success of the three-year-old colt, a horse he bred and owns.

“He’s the best horse, undoubtedly, I’ve had,” said Owen. “I’ve been in the game a long, long time and invested a lot of money, and to have a winner on a stage like this is what it’s all about.”

It was the biggest victory of Owen’s career in horse racing.

The ex-England and Liverpool striker, 31, purchased Manor House Farm in Malpas in 2007 and co-owns the stables with Betfair founder Andrew Black. Tom Dascombe was appointed trainer in 2009 and the yard now has about 100 horses.

Thursday’s win came just 24 hours after Owen celebrated his first Royal Ascot victory as an owner with Rhythm of Light.

Brown Panther is now one of the favourites for the St Leger at Doncaster in September.

Today Owen, a former Rector Drew Primary School and Hawarden High School pupil, appeared confident another of his charges could make an impact at the famous festival.

On his official page on social networking website Twitter, he said: “Approaching Royal Ascot for the 4th consecutive day! Can things get any better? I think so. I part own Switcher in the 2.30pm. Good each-way chance.”

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