Former England and Liverpool footballer Michael Owen has been appointed as a member of the Jockey Club.

Senior steward Sandy Dudgeon said: ‘Members are elected on account of their contribution to horseracing and a willingness to help the Jockey Club achieve its vision of acting in the best interests of the sport.

‘The Jockey Club is very fortunate to be able to draw upon their dedication, knowledge and experience.’

Last week Owen, 42, announced his trainer Tom Dascombe was leaving, with a replacement to be announced in the new year.

Meanwhile the BHA have reiterated that they will discuss issues of stewarding with the sport’s participants in the aftermath of the High Court ruling that saw Freddy Tylicki successfully sue fellow rider Graham Gibbons for damages for the injuries he sustained in a four-horse pile-up at Kempton in 2016.

Stewards on the day decided Gibbons had only been guilty of causing accidental interference but Judge Karen Walden-Smith ruled that Gibbons acted ‘in reckless disregard for the safety of Mr Tylicki’.