Join the Thrill of Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing
Now in its second successful year, the syndicates operated by Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing (UTR) offer a unique opportunity to experience the excitement of horseracing at an accessible level. The syndicate combines competitive racing with opportunities to meet fellow members at race days, yard visits, and at an annual dinner with leading figures from the racing world.
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or simply curious about the sport, this is your chance to share in the camaraderie and the thrill of the turf – all in OU colours.
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If you would like to join the Syndicate, please use the drop down menu below. It contains everything you need to know, including the Application Form and the Terms and Conditions of Syndicate Membership. If you require any additional information, please contact Simon Greenly.
To encourage wider participation and provide an accessible introduction to racehorse ownership, the management team are willing to divide this final share into five micro shares. Each micro share is priced at £800 and is fully paid up until the end of the season in November. This all-inclusive cost covers your share of the horse (owned by the syndicate), as well as all training and running expenses. There will be no further costs to pay.
Contact Simon without delay to secure your place and enjoy the experience both on and off the racetrack.
Trip to Chantilly and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
In October this year, Simon will be joining fellow racing enthusiasts on a visit to Chantilly and Longchamp for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, widely regarded as the most prestigious flat race in the European racing calendar.
There are currently one or two places still available on this tour, which is organised by racing travel specialists Venatour. For further details, including costs, please contact Simon directly. Early booking is recommended, as these tours tend to fill quickly.
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| Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing 11 (3 year old colt Sparksmith) Syndicate year 2025-2026, concludes November 2026
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| APPLICATION PROCESS |
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The application process to join the syndicate is straight forward:
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| Contact Details |
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If you would like to find out more about the syndicate before joining, contact: James Ferguson / +44 (0) 7826 889571 |
We trust the Terms and Conditions below provide valuable information with regards to membership of Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing syndicates. By becoming a member of an UTR syndicate, you confirm your acceptance of these Terms and Conditions and agree to abide by them.
To join the syndicate, please complete the application form and submit it to Simon Greenly. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact simon via email or on +44 (0) 7831 546700.
The Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing Club is run by the following contacts:
| James Ferguson (Fgh 03), Trainer |
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 A one-time amateur jockey, he gained his training licence in 2019, having learnt his trade with racing greats Sir Mark Prescott, Charlie Appleby and Jessica Harrington. Based in Newmarket, he has had success at Group level and has a growing list of both important owners and horses. As Trainer, he will lead his team who look after all aspects of keeping horses in training. He will partner with our favoured Bloodstock agents and advisors to source the syndicate horses. |
| Simon Greenly (F58), Finance, Admin and Governance |
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 Simon brings over 40 years of business experience as a corporate trouble shooter. Since 2004, he has worked with aspiring medium-sized enterprises, providing both capital and strategic expertise through his team. His passion for horse racing began in childhood, attending point-to-point meetings in Northumberland, and today he remains actively involved in both Flat and National Hunt racing. Simon is also a trusted adviser to the OU School for Life programme, providing mentoring and guidance to those seeking support. |
| Contact Details |
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If you would like to find out more about the syndicate before joining, contact: James Ferguson / +44 (0) 7826 889571 |
29th June 2026
Transfer to Kremlin House Stables
Following James Ferguson’s decision to retire from training, Sparksmith (now at the midpoint of his second year in training) will transfer from Machell Place Stables to Tom Clover’s yard in Newmarket. The move will take place no later than the end of July.
This transition represents a seamless continuation within a high-quality training network. The OU connection remains through Tom Clover’s wife, Jackie (née Jarvis, L 06), daughter of the highly successful, Arc-winning Newmarket trainer Michael Jarvis. The Clovers are based at Kremlin House Stables, which they own rather than lease, providing a stable and secure training environment.
Going forward, Sparksmith will be referred to by his nickname, “Sparky”, which is especially fitting following his overly spirited behaviour at Newcastle, which ultimately led to him being gelded.
Racing Record to Date:
James Ferguson believes Sparky is well handicapped at a rating of 81 and capable of winning valuable races. Looking ahead, we have the option of entering him in the Tattersalls Horses-in-Training Sale at the end of October or retaining him for a four-year-old campaign. Tom and Jackie Clover will now advise on the best course of action.
1st June 2026
Announcement
James Ferguson has announced that he will be stepping away from training racehorses following the offer of an exciting opportunity in the bloodstock insurance industry. His training career will come to a close at the end of July, and we wish him every success as he embarks on this new chapter.
4th March 2026
Sparksmith Shows Impressive Form
Syndicate racehorse Sparksmith is proving himself a model of consistency as he continues to build an enviable early record on the track. With finishes of 3rd, 2nd (by a short head), 1st, and 2nd (by a nose), the talented runner has demonstrated both reliability and competitive edge in every outing. His strong performances have already earned around £9,000 in prize money, and his trajectory now takes an exciting step forward with an entry into a championship race offering a significant prize pot. Trainer James Ferguson is optimistic as Sparksmith moves into this next phase—not least because the turf season is still ahead, and the horse has shown a notable liking for running on grass. With form, confidence and conditions in his favour, he is shaping up as a contender to watch closely in the months ahead.
3rd February 2026
A win for Sparksmith and the Uppingham Syndicate
Congratulations to trainer James Ferguson (Fgh 03) and his team on Sparksmith’s strong win at Wolverhampton Racecourse. A brilliant result!
11th December 2025
Sparksmith’s First Run at Lingfield Park
We are delighted to announce that Sparksmith will make his debut at Lingfield Park over 6 furlongs. The race is scheduled for 12:12 PM, with Johnny Peate taking the ride. His first outing was delayed due to a bruised foot, but now we can finally see what he’s made of. This run should help him mature as a racehorse. Fingers crossed for a strong performance!
26th November 2025
First End-of-Season Dinner in London
Our inaugural end-of-season dinner took place at The RAG (Army and Navy Club) in St James’s Square, offering members an evening of insight and celebration. The event featured two distinguished guest speakers: Emma Lavelle, a leading National Hunt trainer, and Mary Frances, CEO of the Moorcroft Horse Rehabilitation Centre. Both delivered engaging interviews conducted by Colin Cameron, the well-known racing connection and regular host at the RAG and RAC clubs.
30th October 2025
Uppingham Special Syndicate I Horse 'Advancing' Sold
The first syndicate, Uppingham Special, got off to a promising start when the gelding, Advancing (a leased horse) won his debut race at Kempton in style. While his subsequent performances didn’t quite match the excitement of that maiden victory, he still earned just over £6,000 (net) in prize money, which will be distributed pro rata among syndicate members in January 2026.
After two disappointing runs, finishing 7th of 9 at Sandown (17 September) and 6th of 12 at Newcastle (4 October), the owner decided to sell Advancing at the Tattersalls Horses in Training Sale at the end of October.
28th May 2025 – Second horse purchased and Uppingham Flyer established
The syndicate team confirmed the purchase of a horse, subsequently named Sparksmith, for the second Uppingham Syndicate. He's a bay colt, by French sire Hello Youmzain ex Gemcutter, purchased in France at the Arqana sale and trained in Newmarket by James Ferguson.
10th May 2025 – Day at Ascot
An exciting day of racing entertainment took place at Ascot racecourse on the 10th May 2025.
23rd April 2025 – First syndicate full, second syndicate launched
We are pleased to announce that the Uppingham Special Syndicate is now fully subscribed and we have launched Uppingham Flyer as syndicate No 2.
12th February 2025 – First win
We are delighted to share that ADVANCING (Lope De Vega) won on debut at Kempton Park, all weather, on 12th February – becoming a first winner for the UPPINGHAM SPECIAL Syndicate. An encouraging debut performance that shows promise going forward, despite being green. Congratulations to owners and all involved in the syndicate!
By joining Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing 11 (UTR 11), members can enjoy afternoons and evenings at the races in a close-knit, passionate group, an experience that feels like sole ownership.
Visit the training grounds and stables.