A popular member of the racing community after more than 50 years in the game as a jockey and trainer, Scorse died on Thursday following a battle with cancer. He was 69.

Barnett says Scorse, who was inducted into the Newcastle and Hunter Racing Hall of Fame in May, was "held in such high esteem here and will be missed by a lot of people".

He steered home 1269 winners, featuring two group 1s, and after retiring from the saddle trained between 1997 and 2019.

Before passing away Scorse, son-in-law of the late Roy Hinton, watched his grandson Lachlan ride trackwork on the course proper in Newcastle.

"It's something that both of them were thrilled about," Scorse's son Mathew told Racing NSW media.

Peter V'landys, chief executive officer of Racing NSW, says the "industry has lost a valuable member in Alan Scorse".

"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," V'Landys said.

Jockeys competing in race two, the TAB Class 2 Highway Handicap, at Rosehill on Saturday will wear black armbands as a mark of respect for Scorse.

Having lost wife Sharon just two months ago, Scorse is survived by four siblings, his two sons and grandson.

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