Local trainer hopes for more Cheltenham success

Ferguson previously trained Simonsig - now part of the Nicky Henderson stable - who runs in today’s (Wednesday) Neptune Novice Hurdle, after enjoying success with the horse back at home.

“I will be watching his performance with interest as he won a big race for me at Fairyhouse,” said the local trainer.

It was at Cheltenham last year where Ferguson enjoyed a career high when he trained Zemsky to win the Christies Foxhunters Champion Steeplechase.

That accolade also helped him win the Coach of the Year award at the Ballymena Sports Awards where he said: “To win at Cheltenham is like the Olympics of National Hunt racing.”