Veteran Trainer Ferriola Dies

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Peter Ferriola, who topped The New York Racing Association trainer standings in 1987, 1991, and 1992, died Dec. 9 in Spring Hill, Fla. from complications of a stroke and chronic diabetes. He was 69.

In a career that spanned 1978-2001, Ferriola garnered nine meet titles at Aqueduct and two at Belmont Park. He retired with a record of 1,129 wins, 999 seconds, and 900 thirds from 6,085 starts and $26,292,286 in purse earnings.

Among Ferriola’s protégées who won graded stakes in New York were Argyle Lake, Groovy Feeling, Nome, Shots Are Ringing, and Tarantara. Ferriola’s biggest victory came in 1979, his second year of training, when Koluctoo Bay captured the grade I Young America at the Meadowlands.

Ferriola, originally from Philadelphia, started out by working for trainer John Campo Sr. in New Jersey. He later went to California to work for Bobby Frankel before returning to New York as Campo's foreman. Ferriola went out on his own in 1978.

“He was a good horseman,” said trainer Bruce Levine, who worked for Campo when Ferriola was serving as his foreman. “He was the first one who was running with turndowns. He was ahead of his time. Then everybody started using them. His horses always looked well and ran well.”

Ferriola is survived by his wife, Ingrid, daughter, Veronica, son, Peter, Jr., and granddaughters Bella and Holly. His son-in-law, Tony Micallef, is the agent for apprentice jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr.

“He took care of so many people and took the utmost care of his horses,” said Veronica Micallef. “All he did were the best things for his horses. He was the most gracious, loving man. If you needed a meal or a dollar, he’d give it to you.”

“He loved the horse racing game,” added Tony Micallef. “He was a diabetic and was losing his eyesight, but he would watch TVG and follow Irad.”

Ferriola will be cremated in Florida. Memorial service plans are pending. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

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