A group of Liverpool stars have hit the jackpot with their very first racehorse they were advised to purchase by Michael Owen.
Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain enjoyed a remarkable season with Mr McCann.
In a syndicate with Adam Lallana, the group paid £65,000 for the two-year-old colt, trained at Owen's stables in Cheshire.
They were due to cash in when the horse went to the sales tomorrow, with predictions the horse would make them an excellent profit.
Mr McCann has since been withdrawn from the event and ex-Anfield hero Steve McManaman believes the players have lots to look forward to.
Writing in his horseracing.net column, he said: “They’ve had a magnificent first season. I’ve texted James Milner on a couple of occasions to congratulate them.
“Of course, Mr McCann is named after Liverpool’s press officer Matt McCann, so I’ve also been in touch with him a couple of times regarding the horse.
“They bought the horse through my former team-mate Michael Owen and they won the British EBF Novice Stakes at Haydock in July despite being a 22-1 shot.
“They were also victorious at the backend of September at Epsom and now will compete in the Derby next year, so it’s fairytale stuff isn’t it?
“They’ve done incredibly well considering this is their first foray in horse racing.
“The horse is probably worth ten times what they paid for it, which is another lovely little perk.”
Mr McCann, named after Liverpool’s press officer Matt McCann, has won three times from seven appearances.
His most recent victory at Epsom earned him automatic entry to one of the biggest Flat races in the world next summer.
The prospect of getting a run in the Cazoo Derby, where they could take on The Queen's horse Reach For The Moon on the 2022 Platinum Jubilee weekend, has excited Owen.
"I hope you’ve not got a game on Derby Day lads!" he tweeted the players.
"Get your top hats on!"
This year's Derby, won by Adayar, had a first prize of almost £640,000.
The second, Mojo Star, earned connections £241,000, while the third, Hurricane Lane, picked up £121,000.
So far Mr McCann, trained by Tom Dascombe, has a total pot of £26,027.
Speaking after the most recent triumph, jockey Richard Kingscote said: “He’s progressed well. He’s danced a few dances and has had a solid year.
“Tom has done a great job, and it’s nice for him to pick this up. I think the extra trip is opening more doors for him. He’s a likeable horse.”
Mr McCann's exploits are a further advertisement for Owen's skills away from football.
He has enjoyed an excellent Flat campaign with his horses, most notably Ever Given, named after the the infamous ship which blocked up the Suez Canal.
The £98,000 winner at the Ebor festival at York sent Owen and his friends wild with joy.
The former Anfield great said: "I've had horses all my life but when you're sharing it with mates, a few good lads, it's particularly special."
Owen was celebrating another triumph on Saturday, when Flaming Rib scored at Doncaster.
It came hours before Liverpool thrashed Manchester United 5-0 at Old Trafford.
