Owen hits target with Brown Panther in Goodwood Cup

Retirement from football has allowed Michael Owen more time to concentrate on racing interests and his beloved Brown Panther offered up his greatest success as an owner to date in the Artemis Goodwood Cup yesterday.

The former England international bred Brown Panther from his cherished mare Treble Heights, and his five-year-old has already provided a Royal Ascot victory as well as placing in the St Leger.

There could be a greater challenge to come, with Owen and trainer Tom Dascombe suggesting a tilt at the Emirates Melbourne Cup could be in the offing after he beat a large field of stayers by three and a half lengths.