ENGLAND footballing legend Michael Owen will be making his racing debut at Ascot racecourse this month. 

The Chester-born striker amassed 89 appearances for England, scoring 40 goals, and will take part in a charity steeple chase at the legendary racing venue.

The race on Friday, November 24 will be raising money for the Prince’s Countryside Fund, and the former Liverpool striker will be on a Tom Dascombe trained horse. 

He insists he will be aiming for success in his first ride, however he only rode a horse for the first time this year. 

Mr Owen said: “It has been a big learning curve. It (riding) sometimes looks easy to the eye but having tried it myself I realise that it’s just the jockeys making it look straightforward! 

“Experiencing first hand quite how difficult it is has definitely increased my respect for jockeys. 

“I am in a fortunate position that I have two horses at the stables who meet the correct conditions for the race that I could ride. 

“One is on the safer side but I plan to ride the more challenging horse as I think it gives me the best chance of winning, and this was never just about taking part. Having said that, on this occasion I realise just crossing the line will be an achievement!”

The Prince’s Countryside Fund was founded by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2010 to help farmers and the countryside.

Tickets are free in the Queen Anne Enclosure, and private boxes start from £121 per person.