Owen flies towards his goal...on a horse

FORMER England striker Michael Owen said he loved the ride after coming second in his first ever horse race.

He sped home on his mount Calder Prince at Ascot, in aid of Prince Charles’ country charity.

Owen, 37, known for his pace up front as a player, said: “That was probably the fastest I’ve ever been on a horse.

“To get home safe and sound, to earn a lot of money for charity and to have an experience like I did – learn a new discipline, lose a bit of weight – I like to think some good has come from it.”

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were waiting to congratulate the keen horse breeder, who was 5/2 to win, and give him an award.

The ex-liverpool and Manchester United forward – who only learned to ride earlier this year – was passed in the final furlongs of his flat race debut by veteran Tom Chatfieldroberts, on Golden Wedding.

Owen, who lost 20lbs to make the riding weight, said he tired towards the end of the sevenfurlong race. But he added: “It was better than expected...i was telling my horse ‘come on boy’.”

“I know everyone was keeping an eye on whether I fell off or did something wrong. It was almost like I was playing in the World Cup quarter-finals again against Brazil, with my phone going mental for a day or two.”

Asked whether he will race again, Owen replied: “I absolutely loved it and it does give you the chance to do some good.

“The not eating bit was hard. I’ve done 20 pounds in 21 days.

“I enjoyed it enough to say I’d do it again – but I’ve got four kids, I don’t want to hurt myself.”