Heffer Explains Why Hollywoodbets Roped In Owen As An Ambassador
Hollywoodbets brand and communications manager Devin Heffer says the decision to appoint former England striker Michael Owen as a global brand ambassador is part of the company’s strategy to grow the brand internationally and showcase what South Africa has to offer.
On Wednesday, Owen — a former Liverpool star and Ballon d’Or winner in 2001 — was officially unveiled as Hollywoodbets’ first global brand ambassador at a ceremony held at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse.
Greyville Racecourse is the home of the annual Hollywoodbets Durban July, which Owen attended last year. The former England international is also a passionate horse racing enthusiast and has owned a racing establishment in the United Kingdom for more than 20 years.
Alongside his wife, Louise, Owen owns Manor House Stables, a thoroughbred racing operation in Cheshire. The facility was converted from a former cattle barn and officially launched as a training yard in 2007.
Owned in partnership with entrepreneur Andrew Black, the stables began with around 30 horses in training and have since grown into a major base now occupied by Classic-winning trainer Hugo Palmer. This has given Owen a direct stake in the elite level of British flat racing.
Over the past 15 years, Manor House Stables has undergone significant upgrades, including the addition of modern training facilities, while expanding both its capacity and profile.
Now 46, Owen remains closely involved as an owner and host, frequently welcoming fellow owners — many from football backgrounds — to the stables. The yard has attracted what Owen has described as a “sprinkling of football ownership”, with figures such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Paul Scholes and Steve McManaman contributing to a competitive social environment that bridges football and horse racing.
“With Michael coming to South Africa last year and experiencing more of our country and our sporting culture — especially from a horse racing perspective — having someone of his class, with his achievements in football and his genuine passion for racing, creates a balance that you simply can’t buy,” Heffer said on Wednesday.
“It was very special that we were able to connect with him and start discussions about working together.
“It’s exciting that he has come on board and joined our team. The welcome he received on Wednesday was outstanding, and I think South African culture really shone through — that’s exactly what we aim to showcase.
“As Hollywoodbets, we don’t want to limit ourselves to South Africa. We want to grow internationally and continue showcasing South African culture to the world.
“Michael sees that, and he clearly had a great time here. The team has really enjoyed working with him, and now that he’s part of the Purple Family, we’re hopeful that a lot can be achieved.”
Owen announced his retirement at the end of the 2012–13 season, bringing to a close a distinguished career that began at Liverpool and included spells at Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City.
He famously won the treble with Liverpool in 2001 — the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup — along with the Ballon d’Or. Owen also claimed the Premier League Golden Boot twice, during the 1997/98 and 1998/99 seasons.
He scored 40 goals in 89 appearances for England, ranking among the country’s most prolific international scorers at the time. Injuries curtailed what could have been an even more remarkable career, particularly after his high-profile move to Real Madrid.
“I felt part of the family straight away,” Owen said.
“I felt very welcomed, and your nation is such a warm and friendly place. I’ve really loved my time here. One of the great things about finishing football is that while scoring goals is the best feeling in the world, you have to find new passions once that chapter ends.
“If you don’t, you end up just watching old clips of yourself on TV, and that’s not healthy for anyone. You have to get out there, crack on and enjoy life.
“Having a partnership like this is fantastic. I get to attend events like this, come over to South Africa and hopefully watch the Durban July. We have some great plans, and it’s really exciting.”
Interestingly, the promotional video announcing Owen as Hollywoodbets’ newest ambassador was also filmed at Kings Park Stadium — the same venue where he played for England against Bafana Bafana in an international friendly in 2003.
South Africa lost the match 2-1, with Owen playing the full 90 minutes for the late Sven-Göran Eriksson’s side.
