Devastated Michael Owen opens up on ‘the worst day of my life’ as he mourns death of ex-beauty queen Jess Whalley

"It was the worst day of my life"
@themichaelowen reflects on the tragic loss of Jess Whalley, a valued member of the @MHS_HorseRacing team who sadly passed away last month. pic.twitter.com/49pfRYZEb9

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 21, 2023

Former England striker Owen told Sky Racing of the heartbreaking impact the loss has had on him and the entire Manor House team.

The ex-Liverpool and Newcastle striker, who reportedly ‘broke down in tears’ at the scene, said: “It was a tragic incident – one that could have happened at any time.

“Nothing can prepare you for something like that, a young girl who was supremely talented at what she did and massively popular.

“She was a really important member of the yard and staff.

“A lot of people will be out there feeling the same thing having lost a family member or loved one close to them.

“What can I say? What words can you say to describe it?

“Being there and part of the whole day – the ambulance staff were amazing.

“But having to come down and tell 40 of her friends what’s happened, it was just… what can I say? It was the worst day of my life.”

Jess could not be revived by paramedics after collapsing when riding out at the stables Owen co-owns with daughter Gemma.

Owen’s retained trainer Hugo Palmer said Jess had ‘shown no signs of distress’ that day but added: “It appears she died on top of the horse and when the filly came to a halt she slid to the floor.”

He said: “It’s all incredibly sad as it came completely from out of the blue.

“Despite everyone’s best efforts, unfortunately, and tragically, nothing could be done to save her.

“She was very good at her job and she died doing the job she loved.”

Jessica’s best pal in Newmarket when she worked at stables in the racing HQ town spoke of her shock and surprise at news of the transport manager’s sudden death.

Allison Samuel told SE: “I just couldn’t believe it- we loved her dearly.

“She was such a lovely girl who really enjoyed her job. She was popular – everyone liked her and she was a lovely young woman. This is so unexpected, she was so fit and healthy.

“And beautiful too – she could have been a model. It’s such a tragedy, coming just days before her 26th birthday.

“We have been told that it was a very sudden and [she] fell from her horse – so it has come as a terrible shock.”

More to follow.