Football icon and racehorse trainer Michael Owen brought a fresh wave of excitement to the SunBet-sponsored event at Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom on Friday, July 4, ahead of the annual Hollywoodbets Durban July festivities. Owen, a 2001 Ballon d’Or winner, engaged fans and attendees with stories from his illustrious sports career and evolving passion for horse racing
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Arriving amid much fanfare, Owen captivated the crowd with a mix of grace, insight, and warmth. In a live interview at the venue, he drew comparisons between Durban and the UK, noting the region’s greenery and laying-back charm. “It was nice to see,” he commented, appreciating the scenic parallels . Flanked by the casino’s lush greenery and the buzzing pre-race atmosphere, his presence offered the perfect blend of sporting prestige and local relevance.
As part of his keynote speech, Owen reflected on his transition from football stardom to horse racing entrepreneurship. Describing his role at Manor House Stables, where he now manages approximately 130 horses, Owen explained how his journey has shifted from goal posts to grass tracks. “Football has been my life and continues to be my job but racing has always been my passion outside football,” he shared.
His story resonated deeply, creating a bridge between two high-performance arenas, footwork on the pitch and horsepower on the racecourse.
The event featured a lively meet-and-greet session, during which Owen posed for selfies, signed autographs, and spoke casually with fans of both football and equestrian sports.
His status as a SunBet ambassador came into full effect as he shared insights into both his sporting journeys, affirming that he was “incredibly proud” to blend his two passions
As a precursor to the Durban July’s main day of races, this SunBet activation added charm and excitement, offering local patrons a rare interaction with an international sports legend. Owen also revealed he planned to return on Sunday for further autograph sessions, leaving fans eager for another chance to meet him.
Beyond its celebrity allure, Owen’s presence highlights deeper significance. Fan engagement soared, helping SunBet enhance its brand visibility during South Africa’s premier horse racing weekend, which is projected to add approximately R700 million to Durban’s GDP.
Attendees responded positively to Owen’s approachable personality and infectious enthusiasm for racing, turning a promotional event into an unforgettable public experience.
By the close of the evening, it was clear that the football legend had added both star power and authentic storytelling to the SunBet activation. Between recounting his days as a soccer star and explaining the nuances of racehorse management, Owen delivered insight, charisma, and credibility, firmly reaffirming his place at the intersection of two competitive worlds.
