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The NSW Racehorse Industry is mourning the loss of Mr Alan Scorse, a popular Novocastrian who enjoyed success as both a jockey and a trainer.
Mr Scorse, 69, lost his long battle with cancer yesterday and passed away surrounded by family.
"The racing industry has lost a valuable member in Alan Scorse," said Racing NSW's CEO, Mr Peter V'landys AM.
"Alan was an outstanding jockey before turning his hand to training where he became one of Newcastle's top trainers with 265 winners.
"Alan was the ultimate horseman – he was professional, considerate and was an extremely popular figure in Newcastle.
"He was first and foremost a gentleman and our sincere condolences are extended to his family and friends."
Alan carried the nickname 'Groovy' and in his 1250+ winners in the saddle, landed Group 1 victories aboard Manawapoi [1976 Stradbroke Handicap] and Spanish Mix [1993 William Reid Stakes].
He also partnered top-class sprinter Razor Sharp to several Stakes wins before a back injury curtailed his career.
Upon commencing his training career, Scorse was quickly into stride preparing a host of city and provincial winners.
They included Plain Crazy [won eight races including one at Randwick and two others in Sydney], Sir Covet [won at Randwick and twice at Warwick Farm], Looking Fur Lang [nine wins including one at Flemington], Who's Ready [won at Flemington on Oaks Day 2010], Northfield Drive [nine wins] and Gentleman Joh [nine wins].
Scorse was tremendously proud to have been inducted into the Newcastle & Hunter Racing's Hall of Fame earlier this year.
Scorse's wife Sharyn died just two months ago; she was the daughter of Newcastle Hall of Fame trainer, the late Mr Roy Hinton.
Scorse's son Mathew - a former jockey who rode 42 winners for his father - said: "Dad was very well-liked and the entire family is devastated.
"My son Lachlan is in his first year of a traineeship to be a jockey and loved my Dad.
"It was great that Dad got to watch Lachlan's first track gallop on the course proper recently, it's something that both of them were thrilled about."
Alan Scorse is survived by his sons Mathew and Bradley, as well as his brother John [also a successful rider] and sisters Leoni, Lyn and Sue, and grandson Lachlan.
*NOTE: As a mark of respect, jockeys riding in Race 2 at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday will be wearing black armbands.