Former England and Liverpool striker Michael Owen finished second on his debut as a jockey in a charity race at Ascot, reported BBC.

“I’m home in one piece and had the time of my life,” said the 37-year-old. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player breeds and owns racehorses. However, this was his first tryst of being a jockey. “I’m really pleased with the whole outcome,” said Owen, who retired from football in 2013.

Owen rode Calder Prince over the seven-furlong Flat race, finishing behind Tom Chatfeild-Roberts on Golden Wedding.

The training was intense as he had to lose weight and also fell from his ride several times in the run up to the race. “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,” said Owen. “The not eating bit was hard. I’ve done 20 pounds in 21 days so I’m going to stop off at every service station on the way home and eat everything,” he added.

Asked whether he will race again, Owen replied, “I absolutely loved it and it does give you the chance to do some good. I enjoyed it enough to say I’d do it again - but I’ve got four kids, I don’t want to hurt myself.”