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

Ferraris died peacefully at his retirement home in Plettenberg Bay on Tuesday morning, June 10, after a short illness. He was surrounded by members of his family, including his sons David and Paul, grandson Luke, granddaughter Caroline, and stepdaughters Kim and Leigh.

In a statement, the family said:

"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."

Ferraris leaves behind a racing legacy that spans more than six decades and places him among the greatest trainers in South African history.

His journey in racing began as a young track rider under renowned trainer George Weale. From those humble beginnings, he built a career that few could rival. Between 1954 and his retirement in 2019, Ferraris trained approximately 2,600 winners, earning a reputation as one of the country's finest horsemen and most respected ambassadors for the sport.

His achievements at the highest level were extraordinary.

Ferraris won the South African Oaks on 10 occasions, saddling outstanding fillies such as St Just, Fast Break, Lambarina, Sabina Park and Cherry On The Top. He also captured the South African Derby eight times with stars including Fine Regent, Distinctly, The Monk and Travel North.

Among his many highlights was the unforgettable 1975 Durban July victory with Distinctly, a horse that would also provide him with one of his Derby successes. He added the prestigious Summer Cup to his resume with Sizzling Sun in 1994 and guided Cherry On The Top to Triple Tiara glory, cementing her place among South Africa's elite fillies.

His consistency at the top of the profession was reflected in his two National Trainers' Championships, secured during the 1991/92 and 1993/94 seasons.

While his achievements on the racetrack were remarkable, Ferraris' contribution to the industry extended far beyond winners and trophies. He was a passionate advocate for racing, a dedicated supporter of the Trainers Benevolent Fund and a mentor whose wisdom and generosity were widely admired throughout the sport.

Even into his nineties, Ferraris remained deeply involved in racing. His enthusiasm for training horses never diminished, and he continued to be a respected presence within the industry long after many of his contemporaries had stepped away.

His influence can also be seen through the generations that followed. His son David enjoyed a highly successful training career in Hong Kong, while grandson Luke Ferraris has forged his own path 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.

For countless owners, jockeys, trainers, breeders and racing enthusiasts, Ormond Ferraris represented the very best of the sport. His dedication, horsemanship and integrity earned him admiration across generations, and his contribution to South African racing will endure long after his passing.

South African racing has lost a legend, but the legacy of Ormond Ferraris will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.