The South African Hall of Fame has announced that legendary horse racing trainer Ormond Arthur Ferraris will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Champions Day at Turffontein racecourse this Saturday.
In honour of this occasion, Race Five on the day will be named after him.
Ferraris has dedicated over 60 years to horse racing. Starting as a young track rider under trainer George Weale, he went on to train approximately 2600 winners from 1954 to 2019. His notable achievements include:
- 10 Oaks titles with winners like St Just, Fast Break, Lambarina, Sabina Park, and Cherry On The Top.
- 8 Derby wins with horses such as Fine Regent, Distinctly, The Monk, and Travel North.
- A Triple Tiara victory with Cherry On The Top.
- Two National Trainer Championships (1991/92 and 1993/94).
- 1994 Summer Cup winner Sizzling Sun.
- 1975 Durban July winner Distinctly.
Ferraris is also known for mentoring some of South Africa’s best trainers, including David Ferraris, Mike de Kock, Michael Clements, and Weichong and Weiho Marwing, as well as Sharon Kotzen.
At 93, he remains active in racing as a training consultant and follows the career of his grandson, Luke Ferraris, a successful jockey in Hong Kong.
He also played a significant role in establishing the Trainers Benevolent Fund in the 1970s, which continues to support trainers in need.
The South African Hall of Fame aims to celebrate the country’s greatest achievers, inspire others with their stories, and empower talented children through its Legacy Project.
Johnny Burger, chairman of the Hall of Fame, stated, “It’s a great honour for us to welcome Mr Ferraris into the Hall of Fame. His love for the sport, dedication, and the way he’s helped so many others make him a true South African legend.”
