James Ferguson follows father John into the training ranks

James Ferguson, son of former Godolphin chief executive and successful jumps trainer John, has entered the training ranks after signing a lease on Saville House Stables in Newmarket.

Ferguson was originally set to take the plunge at fellow HQ yard St Gatien Cottage Stables last month, but that deal fell through when the property was sold to owner William Prosser.

A former successful point-to-point rider, Ferguson has spent the last couple of years as understudy to Charlie Appleby, Brian Meehan and, most recently, Jessica Harrington.

Ferguson has moved into Saville House stables, owned by former trainer Willie Musson, which was Tom Clover's base until his recent move to Kremlin House.

The 30-year-old had a good grounding for his new career when he was closely involved with his father's training operation at Bloomfields just outside Newmarket from 2011-2016, which yielded more than 200 winners over jumps, including Grade 1 scorers Ruacan and Parlour Games.

Ferguson was notably active at the horses-in-training sales at Tattersalls last week where he picked up three for the all-weather and is hoping to have between 15 and 20 horses by Christmas after his yearlings come in.

Ferguson said: "I've taken out a lease on Saville House which is in a great location where it means I can access the gallops on both sides of town. I have 36 boxes and a few older horses in I bought at the sales including two from David Elsworth – Leader Writer and Arabian King. I also picked up Johnny Reb from Charlie Fellowes and hopefully we can have some fun with them this winter."

He added: "My brother Alex was riding out with me this morning and we also have Aideen Marshall on the team, who was with Sir Henry Cecil at the time of Frankel so she knows her stuff."

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