Last week, James Ferguson announced he will step away from the training ranks as he’s set to take up a role in the international bloodstock insurance sector next month. Before that, Ferguson is bidding to land a first Royal Ascot winner in his seven-year training span.
Ferguson believes the Michael Buckley owned God Given Talent is ‘the best’ two-year-old he’s had, as he looks to bow out with a Royal winner. The No Nay Never colt made a successful debut at Newbury. He beat an Andrew Balding runner who won the race with the subsequent Chesham winner Humidity last season.
The booking of William Buick is a significant boost, and Ferguson was brimming with confidence as told the Racing Post: “He’s still learning a lot but I couldn’t be happier and we’re going in with a lot of confidence.
“From an experience point of view, I took him for a trial before that run at Newbury. And I genuinely think he’s taken a massive step forward from his first run. He was colty and green in the prelims at Newbury. But I think he now knows what the world is about and he’s been much better behaved in the yard.
“He’s the best two-year-old I’ve had” – James Ferguson
“We’re full of confidence. He’s got the pedigree and I think the ground will be fine. I’d say he’s the best two-year-old I’ve had and I’d like to win at Royal Ascot, so fingers crossed.”
James Ferguson will also be represented by Celtic Charioteer in the Chesham, providing the ground is fine. The son of Mondialiste was a well backed winner at Leicester last week, after a pleasing debut at Windsor.
“It’s a bit of a quick turnaround but he couldn’t have won any better at Leicester,” said Ferguson. “He learned plenty on the job on his first start at Windsor. And seemed to handle the step up to seven furlongs well on his second start. If there’s a bit of cut in the ground, I’d love to take my chance at Ascot.”
Ferguson further added a note on his retirement, stating: “I’m very sad but I know I’m making the right decision for the right reasons.”
Ferguson will have to fend off the strong Irish challengers if God Give Talent is to shed his Ascot tag. Eve Johnston Houghton, who saddles the unbeaten Night In Vegas, spoke of the tough competition from the away team: “We’re going there two-from-two and he’s probably the best I’ve got and one of the best in Britain. But you have to fear the challenge from Ireland – they’re just so powerful.”