At 93 years old, Ormond Ferraris is still shaping the sport he’s devoted his life to… and now, South Africa is honouring him with one of its highest accolades.
South Africa (09 April 2025) – On Saturday, 29 March 2025, during Champions Day at Turffontein Racecourse, legendary horse racing trainer Ormond Arthur Ferraris was inducted into the South African Hall of Fame.
The moment marked a proud celebration of a remarkable life, with Race 5 on the day named in his honour – a tribute to a man who has done more for horse racing than most will ever know.
Born on 31 March 1932 in the small town of Wolwehoek, Mr Ferraris has spent over six decades leaving his mark on the track. His journey began humbly, as a young track rider under the guidance of George Weale, and from there, he built a legendary career that saw him train around 2,600 winners between 1954 and 2019.
Among his standout achievements:
- 10 Oaks victories, including champions like St Just, Fast Break, and Cherry On The Top
- 8 Derby wins, with names like Distinctly and The Monk leading the charge
- A Triple Tiara triumph with Cherry On The Top
- Two National Trainer Championships in 1991/92 and 1993/94
- 1994 Summer Cup winner, Sizzling Sun
- And the unforgettable 1975 Durban July win with Distinctly
But the wins are only part of the story.
Mr Ferraris is revered not just for what he accomplished, but for the lives he influenced. Over the years, he has mentored some of the biggest names in the sport… his son David Ferraris, Mike de Kock, Michael Clements, the Marwing brothers, and Sharon Kotzen, to name just a few. That mentorship continues to ripple through the industry.
Even now, he remains actively involved as a training consultant and takes great pride in the achievements of his grandson, Luke Ferraris, who is making a name for himself as a top jockey in Hong Kong. It’s a multi-generational legacy, still in motion.
Beyond racing, Mr Ferraris showed the same dedication to caring for others. In the 1970s, he helped start the Trainers Benevolent Fund, which continues to support trainers in need, proof that his impact has always gone beyond the finish line.
“It’s a great honour for us to welcome Mr Ferraris into the Hall of Fame,” said Johnny Burger, Chairman of the South African Hall of Fame. “His love for the sport, his dedication, and the way he’s helped so many others make him a true South African legend.”
This honour is more than a celebration of racing excellence, it’s a recognition of a life lived with purpose, generosity and an unwavering commitment to the sport and the people who make it what it is.
Congratulations, Mr Ferraris. Your legacy is galloping strong.
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