James Ferguson to follow in father John's footsteps and train in Newmarket

James Ferguson, son of former Godolphin chief executive and successful jumps trainer John, has taken out a lease on St Gatien Cottage Stables in Newmarket.

A former top amateur rider, Ferguson has spent the last couple of years as understudy to Charlie Appleby, Brian Meehan and, most recently, Jessica Harrington. The 29-year-old hopes to start with around 15 to 20 horses.

Ferguson got a good grounding for his new career when he was closely involved with his father's training operation at Bloomfields just outside Newmarket between 2011-2016, which yielded over 200 winners over jumps including Grade 1 scorers Ruacan and Parlour Games.

He said: "It's always been my ambition to start training and I'm delighted to secure the lease on St Gatien Cottage Stables, which is a beautiful yard and is in a great spot not far from Warren Hill.

"I looked at a few training yards at different training centres but everything happens for a reason and I'm happy to be back in Newmarket and can't wait to get going. The yard has 36 boxes and I hope to start with between 15 and 20 horses and will be focusing primarily on the Flat."

He added: "I started as a pupil assistant to Sir Mark Prescott and then spent a lot of time with Godolphin when I had a rewarding spell in Australia. I was assistant to Charlie Appleby at that time and then joined Brian Meehan. For much of last year I was a barn manager at Jessica Harrington's in Ireland."

Ferguson is hoping his father John will be around to offer some advice in his new venture. He said: "My family will be around to help out and I expect the old man will be involved, as well as my brother Alex."

John Ferguson: may be on hand to offer advice to son JamesCredit: Liesl King

St Gatien Cottage Stables was formerly the home of Sam Armstrong, who passed it on to his son Robert, after which it was bought by Neil King who trained jumpers from the premises for many years. It is currently owned by Charlie Fellowes. The yard had been vacant since Fellowes made the short move to Bedford House Stables on the Bury Road in the spring."

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