John Fernung, who worked with Dan Lasater and John Franks, dies at 79

Longtime horseman John Fernung died on March 5 in Ocala, Fla. He was 79.

Fernung gained national prominence as the racing manager for multiple Eclipse Award-winning Lasater Stable (1974-76). The operation was the leading money-winning stable in the country five years in a row and, during Fernung’s tenure, raced Grade 1 winners Honky Star, Hot N Nasty, and Royal Glint.

In the late 1970s, Fernung relocated from the racetrack to become Lasater’s farm manager in Ocala. Fernung and Lasater developed a nationally renowned stallion station. Among the stallions they brought to Ocala were Nodouble, North America’s leading sire in 1981; his sire, Noholme II; Great Above, sire of the great Holy Bull; and Silver Buck, sire of dual classic winner Silver Charm.

When Lasater dispersed his Thoroughbred holdings in 1984, Fernung purchased the 1,000-acre facility in partnership with another Eclipse Award winner, John Franks, to form Southland Farm. During his tenure with Franks, Fernung syndicated At the Threshold, sire of 1992 Kentucky Derby winner Lil E Tee.

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Fernung also mentored several members of his family who followed him into the Thoroughbred industry, including his brother, Brent Fernung. Brent and Crystal Fernung are the owners of Journeyman Stud in Ocala, which stands the state's reigning leading sire, Khozan.

John Fernung’s nephew Scott Warner is the farm manager of Robert S. Evans' Courtland Farm in Maryland. Fernung’s son, Andrew, is the latest member of the family to enter the Thoroughbred industry, currently working as the sales coordinator for Eddie Woods Stable.

Fernung is also survived by daughter Nicole Fernung; grandson Bryce; additional brothers Jerry Fernung and Andrew S. Fernung; and sister Linda Warner.