James Ferguson hoping to get off to flyer at Southwell with first runner

James Ferguson has his first runner at Southwell on Wednesday, and the trainer is hoping he can make an immediate impact with The Right Choice in the 6f Betway Classified Claiming Stakes (2.00).

Ferguson, 30, is following in the footsteps of his father John, who was a successful jumps trainer having previously been Godolphin chief executive.

A former top amateur rider, Ferguson has had a good grounding in the sport having been closely involved in his father's operation before spending the last couple of years as understudy to Charlie Appleby, Brian Meehan and, most recently, Jessica Harrington in Ireland.

Based at Saville House Stables in Newmarket, Ferguson has around 15 horses, the majority of whom are yearlings, and he is looking forward to getting started.

"I've wanted to be a trainer for a very long time and have worked hard to get here," Ferguson said. "I'm very lucky as I have a great team of staff and it's so far so good. I'm living in a world where I haven't had a loser yet!"

A dual course-and-distance winner, The Right Choice will be at home on the Fibresand surface at Southwell and it would be a family success as the four-year-old carries the colours of the trainer's grandmother Margaret.

Assessing his chance, Ferguson added: "I've had the horse about a month and Newmarket is a very different place to where he's been. I'm hoping the change of scenery and a return to his favourite track proves a positive step. It would be great to get off to a great start."

The Right Choice failed to win for the Melbourne 10 and Jamie Osborne after being bought cheaply out of Richard Fahey's stable.

Simon Pearce: has his first runner as a trainer on Wednesday after taking over from his mother Lydia in NewmarketCredit: Edward Whitaker

Ferguson is not the only new trainer starting out on Wednesday, as Simon Pearce, who has taken over the licence from his mother Lydia, is having his first runner courtesy of Full Intention at Kempton.

Members can read about Simon Pearce's first runner in David Milnes's latest Postcard From Newmarket. Sign up for Members' Club here.