27 November 2011 Trainer Feature: John Ferguson
by Carolyn Tanner
NOW THEN CHARLIE: winning at Dingley in 2011
photo: Jackie Oliver
The globe-trotting John Ferguson, who in his role as bloodstock adviser to Sheikh Mohammed spends much of his time travelling, is looking at an engagement closer to home on Sunday, having made several entries for the season's opening meeting at Cottenham.
However, with firm ground a probability, none of the seven is guaranteed to turn out. "It isn't that they can't go on it, it's more a case of not wanting to risk them on anything too fast," John explained.
That news may come as a relief to those intending to provide the opposition, because if John's Pointers continue in the same vein as his runners under Rules a large tin of silver polish should be top of the shopping list. There is no counting chickens in the Ferguson household, though, just a hope for a lot of fun and sound horses at the end of the season.
Nobody could claim that John does not have the credentials to train, having spent 12 months with Nick Gaselee after leaving school and later becoming assistant to Sir Michael Stoute for three years, but once he set up his own bloodstock agency he found he missed the hands-on involvement of working with the horses. Always a keen hunting man, the obvious answer was to have Pointers.
"I had my first ride at an age when most normal people had seen the light," he laughed. He rode for four seasons, going out with a flourish by taking the 1998 Cambridgeshire Members' on Glenbricken, his one and only outside ride. "Then the family deemed that Pointing was too dangerous, so I went hunting with the Meynell instead and promptly broke my pelvis in three places!"
In 2005 he became a joint-Master of the Scarteen (The Black and Tans), a post he held for five seasons - "Though my main job was in the pub afterwards." His trips to Ireland, coupled with his day job, meant he was hardly ever at home, and so the decision was made to concentrate once again on racing between the flags and to take out a permit.
His work for Darley obviously still necessitates regular absences, but the yard is in good hands. Assistant trainer is East Anglia's leading amateur James Owen, who will partner the majority of the Pointers, while head girl Charlotte Morrell has been with John for some considerable time. Chris Durham was a former conditional with Martin Pipe, and Carey Williamson rides out regularly. Among those who concentrate on the Rules side of the operation are Jack Quinlan, who has recently turned professional, and ex-jockey Matty Roe.
There is a mix of old and new who will be carrying the black and maroon colours in the 2011/12 campaign, and one who comes into the latter category is Earth Dream, successful over hurdles and fences for Paul Nicholls. He has been purchased on the understanding that he will return to Ditcheat to schoolmaster Paul's daughter Megan when she commences race-riding in a couple of years' time. He will be partnered by John's son James, 22, who made his debut last season. James is in his final year at Reading University and has been riding out during term-time for Alan Hill, but his younger brother Alexander, who cannot wait to get started, will have to be patient, as his 16th birthday is not until June. James may also team up with Tumbling Dice, whose preference is for an easy three miles on soft ground.
The Rodeo Clown, who had a run in a Carlisle Hurdle last month, is a Jekyll and Hyde character who shows his worst side when in the box. "He's so grumpy," reported Charlotte, "but he's charming when he's outside and so friendly towards other horses." His jumping, which was sometimes none too fluent last season, has improved, and he seems to be enjoying it more than previously. He is another for whom the softer the ground the better.
Now Then Charlie, who won his Maiden at Dingley, also had a spin under Rules last month. He will do another year's Pointing before switching to the professional circuit, and may start off at Barbury next weekend, a venue which might also see the seasonal debut of Elvis The King. He had a curtailed campaign after getting kicked at the start at Cottenham in February and having to be withdrawn.
The only mare in the yard is Dancing Dawn, successful on her sole start in Ireland, where she made all in heavy going. "She's got a lovely action," said John, "so she should be able to cope with much better ground." Macklin, who was placed in Irish Points, is ready to run and will go to Cottenham if the ground is considered suitable.
Two unraced youngsters are Dr Harry Who and Colonel Iain. The latter is by Alflora out of a sister to Iris's Gift, and is named after John's father, a former regular soldier.
Dr Harry Who, by High Roller, was bought at the Fairyhouse Derby Sale and will be aimed at a 2½ mile Maiden. "He's the happiest horse I've ever come across," smiled John. "He squeals like a dolphin the whole time! We've been working him between horses to try to make him understand that he's not meant to be a complete playboy!"
One who will not be seen out early is another Irish winner, Mister Socks. He has had some time off after getting a leg last year, and might be ready in the spring.
