The South African Hall of Fame has announced that legendary trainer Ormond Arthur Ferraris will be inducted into the South African Hall of Fame on Champions Day, Saturday 29 March, at Turffontein Racecourse.
To celebrate this special occasion, the fifth race on the day will be named in his honour.
Ormond Ferraris (Pic – JC Photographics)
Born on 31 March 1932 in the small town of Wolwehoek, Ormond Ferraris has dedicated more than 60 years of his life to horse racing. He began as a young track rider under the well-known trainer George Weale and went on to build an incredible career, training around 2,600 winners from 1954 to 2019.
Some of his most remarkable achievements include:
- 10 Oaks titles, with standout winners such as St Just, Fast Break, Lambarina, Sabina Park, and Cherry On The Top
- 8 Derby wins, including top horses like 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
- The memorable 1975 Durban July with Distinctly
Mr Ferraris is not only known for his success on the track, but also for the people he’s helped along the way. He has mentored 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 the age of 93, Mr Ferraris is still active in racing as a training consultant, and he takes great joy in following the career of his grandson, Luke Ferraris, a successful jockey in Hong Kong.
He also played a big role in starting the Trainers Benevolent Fund in the 1970s, which continues to help trainers in need to this day.
Ormond Ferraris and Wagga Wagga (Pic – Supplied)
A Life Worth Celebrating
The South African Hall of Fame’s mission is to celebrate South Africa’s greatest achievers, inspire others with their stories, and empower talented children without resources through its Legacy Project. Mr Ferraris is the perfect example of someone who has given his life to excellence, service, and uplifting others.
“It’s a great honour for us to welcome Mr Ferraris into the Hall of Fame,” says 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.”
Ormond Ferraris and Pretty Border (Pic – Supplied)
Ed – a little bit more about the South African Hall of Fame
The South African Hall of Fame is a registered non-profit trust committed to celebrating the extraordinary achievements of South Africa’s legends in sport, arts, leadership, and culture. Through powerful storytelling and high-profile induction events, the Hall of Fame aims to ignite national pride, inspire future generations, and empower talented children without resources via its Legacy Project. Established in 2017, the organisation operates under the values of Celebrate | Inspire | Empower, ensuring that the legacy of greatness continues to shape the future of South Africa. For more information, visit www.halloffame.co.za.
