James Ferguson

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 now operates from the picturesque Machell Place Stables just a short walk from the foot of Warren Hill.

Since setting up training, James has proven 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 has made a great start to his association with Highclere, training Drama to win consecutive London Sprint Series Finals at Kempton, and Cavolo Nero adding a pair of wins in 2025. His confident approach to training and his first-class communication has gained him a legion of loyal fans amongst the Highclere owners.