McKeever and Ferguson to join forces

Date: February 7, 2017

World renowned judges Johnny and Susie McKeever will be joining forces with young Australian Bloodstock agent James Ferguson who this week commences operation of his international agency Ferguson Bloodstock.

For the past 10 months, James Ferguson from Wellington New South Wales, Australia, has been assistant to Johnny and Susie McKeever of McKeever Bloodstock. Whilst abroad in Europe he spent time assisting the team in finding horses for Australia and Hong Kong as well as short listing at all major European sales for the likes of internationally renowned bloodstock agent David Ingordo and well respected Irish breeder James Hanly. He also spent six months working with classic winning trainer Hugo Palmer in Newmarket.

Ferguson grew up on the small renowned stud Bell River Thoroughbreds, owned and operated by his parents Andrew and Georgie where he took the mantle of assistant manager at the age of 18. 

The family recently sold their stock and farm last year after finishing on an all-time high breeding a number of stakes winners and performers including the likes of dual Group 1 winner Extreme Choice. James has also worked for Arrowfield Stud, Haunui Farm, Highclere Stud and has assisted the Queen’s racing manager John Warren at sales.

The McKeevers have been involved in the industry for over 35 years and have purchased 18 individual Group 1 winners globally, Red Rocks, Crowded House, Vinnie Roe, Arcano and many more. For three consecutive years, they purchased in partnership three individual Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes winners.

Johnny along with his wife Susie have been active in Australia for the past 10 years. Most recently the pair have purchased the likes of Group 1 Sydney Cup Winner The Offer, Glencadam Gold who won the Group 1 The Metropolitan, 2016 Melbourne Cup runner up Heartbreak City and multiple stakes winner Flippant. They have actively been involved in sending stallions down to Australia, most recently champion European 1st season Sir Prancealot as well as Free Eagle to Cornerstone Stud, South Australia.

Upon returning home, Ferguson has set up Ferguson Bloodstock, an international agency based in Sydney acting in association with the McKeevers. The partnership commences at the start of the Sydney Classic sale for clients throughout the world including Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Hong Kong, Singapore, England, Ireland, Europe, UAE and U.S.A.