Footballer and Tissot ambassador Michael Owen is to hand out the prizes at a horse racing awards ceremony, it has been revealed.

The keen racehorse owner, who plays for Manchester United, will be on hand to congratulate winners at the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards.

Expectations are high as to which finalists will be prosper at the event – where each category winner gets £5,000 and the runners-up £2,000.

Category winners are also in with a shot of bagging the Stud and Stable staff employee of the year award – which comes with a £25,000 prize to be split between the winner and their stable.

The NASS special merit award has already been awarded to Ken ‘Scobie’ Bedford in recognition of his contribution to the sport. A stable lad with Arundel trainer John Dunlop, Bedford has been in racing for more than 30 years.

Michael Owen said: “The stud and stable staff play a crucial role in the racing industry, working tirelessly throughout the year to help make our sport so compelling to watch.

“I am looking forward to meeting the finalists and presenting them with their well-deserved prizes.”

^ Tissot ambassador Michael Owen is to present awards at a horse racing event, it has been announced