SportHorse racingMelbourne CupJames Ferguson, who won at the highest level with El Bodegon and saddled the favourite for the Melbourne Cup, is giving up the job he started in Newmarket in 201912:58, 01 Jun 2026A Group 1-winning trainer is quitting the profession after accepting an offer ‘I simply cannot refuse’.‌James Ferguson, who is 36, took out a licence in 2019 with impeccable credentials as the son of former Godolphin boss and trainer John, who learned his trade with Sir Mark Prescott, Charlie Appleby, Brian Meehan and Jessica Harrington in Ireland.‌Setting up in Newmarket, he recorded his first Group success with Mise En Scene in 2021 which he soon bettered when El Bodegon captured the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud later the same year. Deauville Legend won the Bahrain Trophy and Great Voltigeur Stakes in 2022 before heading to Australia where he finished fourth in the Melbourne Cup as the big race favourite.‌He has trained 163 winners in Britain, including nine this season, but on Monday announced the shock decision he would stop training in July.Announcing the news he said: “I very much hope this will be the beginning of a new chapter. Thank you again for your support and friendship over the years.”‌His statement explained: “I have been given an offer that, upon reflection, I simply cannot refuse. I have accepted an exciting opportunity in the bloodstock insurance industry with a company that is making its name on the international stage.“This will bring my training career to a close at the end of July this year. While I am immensely excited about this new chapter, stepping away from training racehorses is not a decision I have taken lightly.Article continues below“Training racehorses has been both a dream and a privilege, and the last seven years have brought me more enjoyment, fulfillment, and memories than I could ever have imagined.”He continued: “We have been fortunate to train some wonderful horses and to enjoy success at every level, both domestically and internationally: from our first runners through to competing at the highest level of the sport.“ I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all my owners, many of whom have supported me from the very beginning of my training career. Your loyalty, friendship and trust have meant an enormous amount to me. I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to trainer your horses and share so many special moments together.”Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Melbourne CupGreat Voltigeur StakesSir Mark PrescottJames FergusonNewmarket racecourses