John Ferguson steps down as Godolphin chief executive

Osborne to step in on interim basis as chief executive, writes Geoffrey Riddle.

John Ferguson enjoyed a 25-year association with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

John Ferguson has stepped down as chief executive of Godolphin, ending a 25-year professional association with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The news came yesterday and he will be replaced on an interim basis by Joe Osborne, who controls the Irish arm of the Dubai-based organisation.

Ferguson, who previously oversaw all of Sheikh Mohammed’s bloodstock, believed his position was untenable after long-standing trainer Saeed bin Suroor revealed in an interview in England last week that relations between the two men were not good.

“At times such as these what matters is the future, and my stepping down will allow everyone to draw a line under things and move forward,” Ferguson said in a statement.

“The course of action is best for everyone.

“All the staff at Godolphin are wonderful people who work so hard for the greater good and I want to thank each and every one.

“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed has given me so much over the years – trust, opportunities, key experiences and perhaps most importantly kindness and counsel.

“For all of these things, I thank him with all of my heart.”

Osborne said in a statement of his own: “We are committed to our objective of achieving success for his Highness Sheikh Mohammed and his family. Our thanks go to John Ferguson for his long-standing contribution to Godolphin and Darley.”

The development came after Godolphin had endured a disappointing time at the Derby at Epsom on Saturday, with Benbati the best of their three runners finishing fifth.

Bin Suroor had hinted that changes were underway at Godolphin, something he welcomed.

“Now Sheikh Mohammed makes the decisions at Stanley House, nobody else. I like things this way,” he told the Racing Post.

“Everything was top class in past times, from the work-riders to the people in the office, everyone involved, and now I’m trying to build that up again for the future.

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