Ferris granted licence

Apprentice Francis Ferris has been granted his riding licence, with immediate effect for three months, following a hearing with the Jockey Club’s licensing committee on Tuesday.

Ferris, 23, is employed by Newmarket trainer Mark Tompkins, who supported his application.

Earlier this year, Ferris served six weeks of a four-month prison sentence after admitting dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol.

Ferris left Newmarket-based trainer Phil McEntee on February 15 of this year and had not officially held a licence since.

In 2003, he served a total of 79 days of riding suspensions but the rider has been attending the British Racing School of his own accord and is keen to put the past behind him.

“It has been a difficult time for me after my troubles on and off the racecourse and with the added uncertainty about whether I would be allowed to resume my career,” Ferris said.

“I now wish to concentrate on my new job and repay the faith of those who have given me a second chance.”