GEMMA OWEN celebrated a milestone moment after making her debut as a jockey – but she was brutally brought back down to earth by her dad.

The former Love Island star, 23, is the daughter of iconic England striker Michael Owen.

And Owen finished fourth in the Magnolia Cup charity race at Goodwood yesterday.

She rode Turbo Trotter from her dad’s own Cheshire-based Manor House Stables.

But Michael gave his daughter the Sir Alex Ferguson-style hairdryer treatment he was on the receiving end of during his time at Manchester United.

The ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid man was raging when Owen got the race off to a poor start.

The one-time Ballon d’Or winner, 46, said: “It was quite strange and nerve-racking obviously, worrying about her safety, albeit she’s a very capable rider.

“However, going 40mph on the back of a horse is never the safest thing to do.

“She missed the start by quite a long way, which was frustrating as we all know how important the start is and she was told a hundred times, but she rode well so it’s all good.

“I have a suspicion this won’t be her last ride in public as she has thoroughly loved the process.

“They have lady amateur races so Hugo [Palmer] was already talking to her a week or two ago about perhaps riding in those.

“I’d say she’s as competitive as me, so she won’t be happy she’s been beaten.

“She was left miles [behind] at the start, but I hope she still enjoyed the experience.”

Owen, who had previously competed internationally in dressage, has vowed to remain in horse racing.

The experience at Goodwood has resulted in her desperately wanting to taste victory.

She said: “It was amazing from start to finish. He was an angel getting to the start but a flag start is a bit difficult.

“It’s go round, go round, then go. My start wasn’t great, I got a bit boxed in.

“I got the rail, he travelled well and finished strong. If I’d got a better start I’d have got a better result. I want to win one now.

“Dressage is controlled, slow and precise. This is the opposite. This all happens so quick.

“I’ve loved the training, seeing what goes on behind the scenes. I have a new-found respect for jockeys and appreciate the sport a lot more having done it.”