Noted bloodstock agent, former trainer and well-known industry figure John Ferguson has been appointed to the Board of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the sport's governing and regulatory body. He is one of two Member-Nominated Directors as nominated by the TBA, ROA and NTF (acting on behalf of Licensed Personnel). Ferguson takes over from Luca Cumani, whose term on the BHA Board has ended.
Ferguson has held a wide variety of positions within the Thoroughbred industry. He served as stable staff and assistant to trainer Sir Michael Stoute and, on his own, trained 287 National Hunt winners (including top-level scorers Ruacana and Parlour Games). He has also been a racing manager, owner, breeder and bloodstock agent, most notably as advisor to Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin for 22 years from 1994-2017. He was also Chief Executive of Godolphin for a time.
In 2021, he established Natalma Bloodstock, a bloodstock investment company which has broodmares in Europe, the United States and Australia. He is also a member of the UK Jockey Club, US Jockey Club and has a Japan Racing Association owners licence.
Ferguson said: “Having had a career in horseracing that has been beyond my wildest dreams, working for some incredible people, I feel honoured and privileged to have been offered this role.
“Having worked as a member of stable staff and had my first novice hurdle winner at Hexham, through to breeding, owning and selling horses all over the world, I hope that I am able to well represent licensed personnel.
“It is now in our hands to shape horseracing into a sustainable and fabulous sport for future generations.”
Added BHA Chair Joe Saumarez: “We are delighted to welcome John to the Board. He brings with him extensive experience of the training and bloodstock industries, alongside his intimate knowledge of the industry's workings from his time as a senior leader in the sport.
“We are all extremely grateful to Luca Cumani for his service to the Board. It was a privilege to work with someone of his knowledge and distinction. His understanding of every aspect of the horse and their training was of great benefit to the Board and the sport.”
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