One of the highlights of my day at the 2019 Tuncurry-Forster Cup meeting was to catch up with Alan and Sharyn Scorse. The couple were in buoyant mood as they soaked up the spring sunshine at the popular mid north coast fixture.
It was only a few months after Alan had called time on a training career which had brought him more than 250 winners. He’d been diagnosed with an optic nerve tumor in 2017 which responded positively to radiation and chemotherapy. He continued to train a small team but was stopped in his tracks less than two years later, when the tumor returned. He immediately shed all commitments to concentrate on treatment and rehabilitation.
Sadly he was unable to get on top of the problem, and by the start of 2021 the respected horseman knew he had a battle on his hands. Alan would never have heard of English novelist Ursula Bloom but would have related to one of her famous quotes - “Life is unfair in the way it works out. It’s a game played without an umpire.”
“Groovy” as he was known throughout the racing industry, was in no fit state to handle the news of Sharyn’s sudden onset illness early this year. He struggled to put on a brave face at the function in May when he was deservedly inducted into the Newcastle and Hunter Racing Hall Of Fame. Sharyn’s death on July 16th decimated whatever fight he had left in him.
Alan in the Roy Hinton colours - the colours he wore on Manawapoi in the 1976 Stradbroke - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
Not even the overwhelming support of good mates was enough to cheer “Groovy” the last two months. Former jockey Stuart Plain went beyond the call of duty, rarely leaving his old friend’s side. Stuart was one of a wide force of racing friends deeply saddened by Alan’s passing on Wednesday night September 22nd.
The tributes have flowed ceaselessly this past week. Perhaps the fact that he won and held so many true friendships over so many years is the greatest tribute of all.
Our condolences to Alan’s sons Matthew and Brad, to his sisters Leonie, Susan and Lynette and of course to his devoted brother John. Himself a multiple Gr 1 winning jockey, John Scorse is the first to tell you brother Alan was his inspiration and guiding light.
Alan unsaddles Spanish Mix after a Gr. 2 win in the 1993 Challenge Stakes - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
I had the pleasure to record a podcast with Alan in May of 2019, shortly after he’d relinquished his trainer’s licence. By way of a tribute we’re delighted to post that interview again. Two years down the track a few things are obviously out of date, but it’s best left as it was.
It captures the man’s laid back personality, his passion for horses and the realisation of his boyhood dream. He talks of the horses and horsemen who helped shape his career - and what a grand career it was. We even find out how he acquired the nickname bestowed upon him at the Ray Guy stable all those years ago.
You’ll find the podcast link below.
With Michael Rodd after a win with Who's Ready during the 2010 Melbourne Cup Carnival - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
(Banner image - Alan gets Spanish Mix home narrowly in the 1993 Challenge Stakes - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.)