Hernan Ceriani Cernadas, owner of Argentine stud farm Haras La Quebrada, died Wednesday after a long illness. He was 73.

A pioneer of Argentina's Thoroughbred industry, Ceriani Cernadas was instrumental in establishing the Carrera de las Estrellas races, South America’s equivalent of the Breeders' Cup World Championships. He was the president of the Fundacion Equina Argentin, organizers of the event, which was first held in 1991.

Haras La Quebrada, which his father founded, is home to prominent stallions Southern Halo and Mutakddim.

The farm is the breeder of more than 170 Group 1 winners.

"I enjoyed a great personal and professional relationship with [Hernan Ceriani Cernadas],” said John Sikura, owner of Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm in Lexington. “His belief that Mutakddim could be a leading sire in Argentina was realized under his great care. He was not only a world-class horseman, but he was a complete gentleman with the utmost of integrity. The industry has lost a great visionary."