Former professional footballer Michael Owen has apologised to The Queen after beating the monarch in a thrilling horse race at Chester.
Owen, who is a successful racehorse owner, took on one of The Queen’s horses in a televised race worth over £26,000.
Flaming Rib, a three-year-old colt owned by the former England striker, took on Her Majesty’s horse, King’s Lynn, in a five furling conditions race.
At the finishing post, The Queen had to settle for second best, losing to Flaming Rib by one-and-a-half lengths.
In the post race interview on ITV, reporter Ed Chamberlin said: “You have beaten Her Majesty The Queen.”
Michael Owen responded: “I never want to do that.
“I apologise on air in front of the nation. I’m so sorry!”
The £26,000 prize has been split between the first four finishers, with Michael Owen winning £12,885 for first place, and The Queen settling for £6,042 in second place.
Overall, it has been a disappointing week for The Queen in the world of horse racing.
Unfortunately for the monarch, she will not have a runner in the Epsom Derby in June after all three of her horses pulled out on Tuesday.
Reach For The Moon was fancied to provide a fairytale success for the monarch in the Derby – a race that will take centre stage in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
However, the three-year-old colt suffered a setback in training, and will not be ready for Epsom at the start of June. He will be aimed at Royal Ascot instead.
