Michael Owen names Oriental Charm his favourite ahead of Hollywodbets Durban July
Image: Leon Lestrade/ Independent Newspapers
As excitement builds ahead of the Durban July on Saturday, Liverpool legend Michael Owen has named Oriental Charm as the horse he favours, despite Eight on 18 being the official race favourite.
Themed 'Marvels of Mzansi', this year's prestigious Durban July horse racing event and fashion extravaganza is expected to attract around 50,000 visitors to Durban, with hotel occupancy forecasted at 80%.
According to eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, the city is set to reap major economic benefits, including a boost of over R700 million to Durban's GDP and the creation of more than 4,000 jobs.
Speaking at a media event and fan meet-and-greet at Sibaya Casino Durban on Friday, Owen, who is also Sunbet ambassador, shared his insights ahead of the big race.
"Eight on 18 is the favourite, isn't it? That sounds like everybody's keen on it. I actually like the look of the number one horse, Oriental Charm. Charm won it last year and is drawn well — an older, more robust horse compared to the young pretender,' Owen said.
He added that while he's still learning about the Durban July, he is excited to experience South Africa's premier horse racing event.
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'I've just come off the back of doing five days at Royal Ascot, which is our showpiece in the UK. I've been told the Durban July is the big one over here. It excites the nation. Lots of people will be there, the racing is great,' he said.
While Owen made his name as a footballer, his passion for horse racing runs deep. At age 22, he founded Manor House Stables in Cheshire, which today manages over 130 horses and has produced numerous international champions.
"It's not really been a transition for me because racing has always been my passion outside football. I set up Manor House Stables when I was 22, and now we're training about 130 horses,' he explained.
The football legend will be experiencing the event atmosphere for the first time and looks forward to the social and cultural aspects of the event.
'There'll be the fashion and the people and the excitement and the social environment. So, I'm looking forward to seeing what else is great,' he said.
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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