Ferguson to leave the training ranks John Ferguson will hand in his training licence at the end of April 2016 to take up a new role with Godolphin. As well as training a string of National Hunt horses, Ferguson is currently bloodstock advisor to Sheikh Mohammed but he will now become chief executive and racing manager of a "re-shaped and streamlined" Godolphin. The global racing operation is to merge with Sheikh Mohammed's breeding operation, Darley, who will "be used solely as a brand to promote stallions", read a statement. The best of Ferguson's horses will join Charlie Appleby, with Ferguson's staff at Bloomfields, in Newmarket, also offered the chance to join Godolphin. "I am extremely proud of the team at Bloomfields and the excellent job they have done over the past five years," Ferguson told www.godolphin.com. "They are a fantastic group who have given everything to the stable and I am very grateful for their hard work. "It is an exciting new chapter in the Godolphin story. Our long-term objective is to improve on Godolphin's results on the racetrack. "I feel honoured to be appointed chief executive and racing manager, but I realise that it will require more of my time and attention. "I will miss the training. Jumps racing has always been one of my sporting passions, and I love the involvement. "I am very grateful to Sheikh Mohammed for giving me the horses to send jumping in the first place. "In fact, he wanted me to continue, but I could see that Godolphin must always be a priority and requires my undivided attention. "It makes sense for the racing and breeding operations to merge. One is sourcing the other, and a well-planned, common strategy can only strengthen both. "We must ensure that Godolphin continues to represent excellence in racing, and that the brand serves as a constant reminder of the vibrancy and energy of Dubai." Ferguson began training in 2011-12 and nearly struck at the Cheltenham Festival in his first season when New Year's Eve finished second in the Champion Bumper. He has two Grade One wins to his name, those of Ruacana in the Finale Hurdle at Chepstow in 2013 and Parlour Games in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury last year. The news can be viewed as blow to Aidan Coleman, who was appointed Ferguson's retained jockey in July.
