John Ferguson
Trish Dunell Photography
In a shock announcement, Godolphin chief executive and racing manager John Ferguson has resigned after reports of a breakdown in his relationship with head trainer Saeed bin Suroor.
Ferguson, who was among the buyers at this year's NZ Bloodstock National Yearling Sale series at Karaka, has been a long-time adviser to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
"Given the recent articles in the media, it was clear my position with Godolphin was untenable," he said.
Bin Suroor, who has trained for Sheik Mohammed for 22 years, revealed in the Racing Post story that his relationship with Ferguson had deteriorated to virtually nil communication between the pair in the three years since the resignation of Simon Crisford as Godolphin racing manager.
Joe Osborne, managing director of Godolphin in Ireland, will replace Ferguson as interim chief executive of Sheik Mohammed's global racing operations in Dubai, Britain, Ireland, USA, Australia and Japan.
Ferguson, who was among the buyers at this year's NZ Bloodstock National Yearling Sale series at Karaka, has been a long-time adviser to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
"Given the recent articles in the media, it was clear my position with Godolphin was untenable," he said.
Bin Suroor, who has trained for Sheik Mohammed for 22 years, revealed in the Racing Post story that his relationship with Ferguson had deteriorated to virtually nil communication between the pair in the three years since the resignation of Simon Crisford as Godolphin racing manager.
Joe Osborne, managing director of Godolphin in Ireland, will replace Ferguson as interim chief executive of Sheik Mohammed's global racing operations in Dubai, Britain, Ireland, USA, Australia and Japan.