Michael Owen's grand gallop: sharing his anticipation for the Hollywoodbets Durban July

Former football superstar Michael Owen is in South Africa, embracing the vibrant atmosphere of his inaugural Hollywoodbets Durban July. 

The ex-Liverpool striker is eager to immerse himself in South Africa's most anticipated horse-racing event, although he admits he still hasn't decided what to wear for the occasion.

"Independent Media Lifestyle" caught up with the charismatic SunBet ambassador at the Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom, where he expressed his excitement about experiencing the annual racing spectacle that draws attention from across the region.

"The first thing I've noticed about the city is that it's very similar to the UK in terms of lots of greenery, trees and land, it was nice to see. We've come in winter so it's a little bit colder than I thought it was going to be, I only brought one top!"

Despite the chill, Owen's enthusiasm was unmistakable, especially as he looked forward to the main event. 

"I'm looking forward to more of the city, and the Durban July is going to be the biggest attraction for me, so I can't wait to see that tomorrow as well."

"We've already been to various places. We did an event last night, we've got different dinners, we've got meet and greets with fans, we went to see the training centre (Summerveld Horseracing Clubhouse) this morning, which was exciting, so there are a few things on the agenda over the next few days."

While fashion often takes centre stage at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, Owen appears more keen to appreciate the full experience. 

"I'm not really a fashionista, I'm looking forward to the whole day. I love horses and I'm looking forward to seeing the big race, but I like to see everything, and see people enjoying themselves, I may possibly get down with the locals.

"That's the good thing about horse racing, there is something in it for everybody, whether you're into fashion or horses, competition or gambling. It's a family event so I'm looking forward to the whole day."

His insights into the racing field are great, especially as he brings his perspective from a recent stint at the prestigious Royal Ascot in the UK. 

"I listened intensely last night, and Eight On Eighteen is the favourite, sounds like everybody is keen on it. I actually like the look of the No.1 horse, Oriental Charm, who won it last year, drawn well, it's an older horse so more robust, I guess, but I'm guessing."

"I'm interested in seeing what the differences are. I've just come off the back of doing five days of Royal Ascot, which is our showpiece in the UK. We've got a lot of festivals, but I think Royal Ascot is the one we're most proud of and I'm told that the Durban July is the big one over here that excites the nation.

"I've seen some of the best horse racing events in the world, and obviously this will be different, but it will be amazing in your own way, which is the beauty of going to different countries and seeing how each country does it."

"Lots of people will be there, the racing is great and I'm looking forward to seeing what else is great. There'll be the fashion, people and the excitement and the social environment so looking forward to seeing it.

Owen, who runs Manor House Stables in the UK, where he trains about 130 horses, is no stranger to the racing scene. 

"Football has been my life and continues to be my job but racing has always been my passion outside football. Some people like going to play golf, some people spend time travelling, but always outside of football was racing for me.

"I set up Manor House Stables, my stables when I was 22. I changed it into a racing stable, I started with 10 horses and 22 years later, we are training about 130 horses, and it's a big set-up. Football and racing are my passion ... It wasn't a transition, it went hand in hand."

Yet, the life of a sportsman is anything but normal.

"It's funny, I was looking at my diary though, from the end of the season to the start of next season, this is supposed to be our downtime, I think I'm in my house like for seven days out of 80 odd, so to say I've got a normal day, it just doesn't happen. 

"As soon as the season finishes I make trips like this. I flew straight from Vietnam to come here. When I get home, I think I'm home for about three days, then we're going on a family holiday for one week. Then I go to a racing festival for one week, and then I'm back to Spain for another week.

"I just don't have a normal day. I think when we're in a season that's my normal weekend work, watching football, thinking about it, thinking about what we going to talk about, spending time with the family, watching my horses, that's sort of in season and I have more of a routine, but out of season, when I'm suppose to be relaxing, I find it hard to relax. I like cramping everything into my diary." 

"I also have four children so I like to spend as much time as possible with them."

As the countdown to Hollywoodbets Durban July begins, Owen is ready to dive into the thrill of the races, the crowds and the electric atmosphere.