Vale Albert Stapleford

Former Gosford trainer Albert Stapleford has passed away aged 95.

Across a seven‑decade training career, Stapleford made a major mark on racing in the Central Coast, with his best horse, Magic Albert —-named in his honour – capturing the Group 2 Peter Pan Stakes and the Group 3 Spring Stakes at Newcastle,

Stapleford also claimed the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes with Maitland Gold, while his final winner, Dissenter, came fittingly at Gosford in February 2023.

Raised in Millfield near Cessnock, Stapleford’s spent a brief time as an apprentice jockey in Sydney before his rising weight forced him out of the saddle.

After working at Segenhoe Stud, he took out his trainer’s licence at just 17 and made an immediate impression when his first starter, Renmark, won at Muswellbrook.

Racing NSW Chief Executive Peter V’landys AM paid tribute to the former trainer.

“Albert Stapleford was not only a highly respected trainer, but a true gentleman in every sense of the word,” he said. “He dedicated his life to racing and did so with humility, integrity and a deep love for the horse.”

“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.”

Stapleford’s grandson is apprentice jockey Mitch Stapleford.