SBC News BHA elects John Ferguson as board member for licensed personnel

BHA elects John Ferguson as board member for licensed personnel

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has appointed former trainer and bloodstock expert John Ferguson to the Board of Directors of UK racing’s governing body.

A figurehead of British racing, Ferguson has been elected as one of the two member-nominated directors chosen by the Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA), Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) and National Trainers Federation (NTF) – acting on behalf of the licensed personnel.

The BHA underlined Ferguson’s extensive career in horseracing as a trainer, breeder, owner and bloodstock agent.

Career highlights saw Ferguson manage the high-performance stables of Darley and Godolphin for over 22 years from 1994 to 2017, including as Chief Executive of Godolphin.

In 2021 he set up Natalma Bloodstock, a bloodstock investment company which has broodmares in Europe, the United States and Australia. Ferguson is also a member of the UK Jockey Club, US Jockey Club and has a Japan Racing Association owners licence.

BHA Chair Joe Saumarez Smith said “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.

Ferguson replace Luca Cumani as a BHA member-nominated director, whose term on the BHA Board has ended.

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.”

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