Location: Newmarket, Suffolk

James took out his licence in 2019, having gained experience with the likes of Sir Mark Prescott, Jessica Harrington and Charlie Appleby as an assistant trainer. Based in Newmarket, he operates from the picturesque Kremlin Cottage Stables just a short walk from the foot of Warren Hill.

Since setting up training, James has highlighted himself as one of the leading young trainers in the country. In just his second season training, James picked up his first Group One win when El Bodegon made all to win the Criterium De Saint-Cloud. In his third-year training Deauville Legend flew the flag for the stable, winning the Voltigeur Stakes (Gr 2) at York before starting favourite for the Melbourne Cup, in which he finished an admirable fourth.

James made a good start to his association with Highclere, training Drama to win on his second start before going to be placed in a valuable sales race at Newmarket. He will train two horses for Highclere in 2024 as Drama is joined by a smashing colt by Make Believe.