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Albert Stapleford, the master Gosford trainer, passed away over the weekend. He was 95.

Stapleford had a long and successful career and was still training into his 90s, preparing his last winner with Dissenter at his home track in early 2023.

The respected trainer's final race starter was in June that same year when the Toldyas I'm Lucky ran unplaced at Newcastle.

Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys paid tribute to Stapleford by describing him as "not only a highly respected trainer, but a true gentleman in every sense of the word." 

"He dedicated his life to racing and did so with humility, integrity and a deep love for the horse,'' V'landys said.

"Those who knew Albert will remember him as someone who was always generous with his time and knowledge, and someone whose advice was valued right across the industry.

"His career spanned decades, and in that time, he built a legacy that very few can match. 

"He played a significant role in shaping the racing community, particularly on the Central Coast, and his influence will be felt for many years to come.

"On behalf of Racing NSW, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to Albert's family, his many friends, and all those within the racing community who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be greatly missed."

Stapleford was raised in Millfield near Cessnock and had a brief stint as an apprentice jockey in Sydney before his rising weight forced him out of the saddle.

He then worked at the famous Segenhoe Stud before taking out his trainer's licence at 17 and was up and running with his first starter Renmark winning at Muswellbrook.

Acknowledged as an outstanding horseman, Stapleford prepared more than 1000 winners and during his seven-decade training career, with his standout performer Magic Albert - named after the trainer!

A striking chestnut, Magic Albert won the Group 2 Peter Pan Stakes (now the Group 1 Golden Rose) and the Group 3 Spring Stakes in 2001. He later became a successful sire.

Stapleford also won the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes that same year with Maitland Gold.

He also had big race wins on his home track with Pekalan in the 2006 Belle of the Turf Stakes and Rutherford Eagle in the 2004 Gosford Guineas.

The Stapleford name is carried on by Albert's 23-year-old grandson, apprentice Mitch Stapleford, who has ridden 120 winners including a Mudgee Cup and six metropolitan

victories.