South African horse racing is mourning the loss of one of its most influential and respected figures following the death of Hall of Fame trainer Ormond Ferraris at the age of 94.

Ferraris passed away peacefully at his retirement home in Plettenberg Bay on Wednesday morning, June 10, after a short illness.

He was surrounded by family members, including his sons David and Paul, grandson Luke, granddaughter Caroline, and stepdaughters Kim and Leigh.

Built a legacy

Widely regarded as one of South Africa’s greatest trainers, Ferraris devoted more than six decades to the sport and built a legacy few could match.

Between 1954 and his retirement in 2019, he trained approximately 2 600 winners, earning a reputation as one of the country’s finest horsemen and most respected ambassadors for racing.

His achievements at the highest level were extraordinary.

Ferraris won the South African Oaks a record 10 times, saddling outstanding fillies such as St Just, Fast Break, Lambarina, Sabina Park and Cherry On The Top.

He also captured the South African Derby on eight occasions with horses including Fine Regent, Distinctly, The Monk and Travel North.

Durban July win

Among the highlights of his glittering career was his memorable victory in the 1975 Durban July with Distinctly, a horse that also delivered one of his Derby triumphs.

He added the prestigious Summer Cup to his impressive list of achievements with Sizzling Sun in 1994 and guided Cherry On The Top to Triple Tiara glory, securing her place among the finest fillies in South African racing history.

His remarkable consistency at the pinnacle of the sport was reflected in his National Trainers’ Championship titles during the 1991/92 and 1993/94 seasons.

While Ferraris’ success on the racetrack was extraordinary, his contribution to the industry extended far beyond winners’ enclosures and trophies.

He was a passionate advocate for horse racing, a dedicated supporter of the Trainers Benevolent Fund and a mentor whose wisdom, integrity and generosity earned widespread admiration throughout the racing community.

Even into his nineties, Ferraris remained actively involved in the sport he loved.

Passion never waned

Ormond Ferraris’ passion for training horses never waned, and he continued to be a respected and influential presence within the industry long after many of his contemporaries had retired.

His impact on racing is also reflected through the generations that followed.

His son David established a highly successful training career in Hong Kong, while grandson Luke Ferraris has forged his own reputation as an accomplished international jockey.

In 2025, Ferraris received fitting recognition for a lifetime of achievement when he was inducted into the South African Hall of Fame.

Tributes have begun pouring in from across the racing fraternity, with many remembering Ferraris not only for his achievements and expertise but also for his humility, kindness and unwavering commitment to the sport.

His passing marks the end of an era in South African horse racing.

However, his legacy – as a champion trainer, mentor and ambassador for the sport – will endure for generations to come.

Family statement

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, Ormond Ferraris, aged 94.

“He passed away peacefully at his retirement home in Plettenberg Bay this morning, 10 June, after a short period of illness.

“He was surrounded by people he loved dearly – his sons David and Paul, grandson Luke, granddaughter Caroline and stepdaughters, Kim and Leigh.

“We are grateful for the outpouring of love, support and condolences during this difficult time. Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in the memories we shared, the wonderful legacy he leaves behind and the many lives he touched.”

Donation

The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, cards or gifts, those wishing to honour his memory and his love and devotion to horses, consider making a donation to the Highveld Horse Care Unit on www.horsecare.org.za

The funeral will be private, and details regarding a memorial will be communicated in due course.

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