Getting To Know You – James Ferguson
James had a sensational start to his training career with 18 winners in 2020 and another four already in 2021, giving him an enviable strike rate of 22%!
He graduated from Reading University with a degree in Real Estate, but he always knew his true calling was racing. James has been around horses all his life, enjoying success as an amateur rider while assisting his father John Ferguson at his Bloomfield’s yard outside Newmarket. His family have trained winners under the Bloomfield’s banner and have been involved in the bloodstock world for over thirty years, therefore his initial grounding has been second to none.
James chose to further his understanding and knowledge of the sport by spending time within other top training establishments. He took the role as assistant trainer to the legendary Sir Mark Prescott, before taking on similar roles with Charlie Appleby, Brian Meehan, as well as Jessica Harrington in Ireland.
Within these roles James was offered the opportunity for extensive travel. Accompanying equine stars such as the likes of Geelong Cup winner Qewy, and Sydney Cup winner Polarisation on their travels.
- What is your first racing memory? Sitting on the bonnet of a car watching my father ride round Tottenham Point-to-Point.
- Favourite track? Ascot.
- Favourite horse? Frankel.
- Race you’d most like to win? The Melbourne Cup
- Horse you’re most looking forward to seeing run in 2021? Francesco Guardi.
- Favourite holiday destination? Verbier
- Favourite restaurant? Frantoio
- Favourite Album? HELP (The Beatles)
- Two books you’d recommend? Tattooist of Auschwitz and Vincent O’Brien, The Official Biography
- Five dinner party guests? Liam and Noel Gallagher, JK Rowling, Paul McCartney and Nicole Kidman.
Private purchase Porta Fortuna gains Group 1 breakthrough in Cheveley Park Stakes
Porta Fortuna, a private purchase by Avenue Bloodstock in conjunction with Philip Shelton of Medallion Racing back in the spring, broke through at Group 1 level with an authoritative display to win the Group 1 Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday. Carrying the colours of owners Barry Fowler/Medallion Racing/Steve Weston/Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Porta […]
Breeze-up purchase Letsbefrankaboutit lands G3 Round Tower
Breeze-up purchase Letsbefrankaboutit took the jump into Group company in his stride at the Curragh on Saturday to land the G3 The Heider Family Stables Round Tower Stakes on only his second start. Owned by Eamon Water’s Alymer Stud, the Sioux Nation colt made a bright start to his career for Paddy Twomey two weeks […]
Yearling purchase Sea Theme wins Galtres Stakes
Sheikh Juma al Maktoum’s Sea Theme, a yearling purchase by Avenue Bloodstock, continued her upward curve in fine style on Thursday when successful in the Listed Galtres Stakes at York. Making only her third start for William Haggas following a wide-margin novice win at Doncaster last time out, the daughter of Sea The Stars was […]
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