Passionate Owner Lawrence Pillay Will Be Sadly Missed

A longstanding owner and supporter of South African horseracing, Sathanadha ‘Lawrence’ Pillay passed away in the Millpark Hospital in Johannesburg on Saturday morning. He was 72 years old. – credit: The Sporting Post

The Managing Director of Active Power Projects, Lawrence Pillay was passionate about his family and his horses, which he raced on the Highveld and in KZN.

Some of the bigger names he raced include Fantastic Mr Fox, Beza, Act Of Power, Mini Black, Queen Eliza, Royal Kailani, Mission Rocks and Global Thunder, to mention a few.

His daughter-in-law Mona Pillay told the Sporting Post that the family was shattered by the loss of a widely respected and much-loved patriarch.

“He was a popular man who loved speaking about his horses and knew many people in horseracing. The walls of his home are proudly adorned with framed photographs of his winners. His energy and passion will be missed by many,” she added.

Trainer Corrie Lensley said that Mr Pillay had been with their yard for some three years.

“A staunch supporter of the industry, he was a quiet man, a low-profile personality who enjoyed a punt and was very involved in his horses’ progress and wellbeing. He never missed a Hollywoodbets Durban July or WSB Cape Town Met. He was also very popular, in particular in the Elevation Room at Turffontein, where the staff enjoyed his generosity. We have lost a good man and an excellent owner,” added Corrie Lensley.

Mr Pillay was a member of the partnership that races Sonic Jet, who runs for the Lensley yard in the fourth race at the Vaal on Thursday.

In the Tamil faith, 16 days after a person has reached the ‘Abode of Siva’, a special ceremony called a Kariyam is performed. That will be on 7 December.

Laurence Pillay’s wife Raj passed away seven years ago. He is survived by seven children, 25 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

MHDSRIP.