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The NSW Racing Industry is mourning the loss of long-time Gosford trainer Fred Cowell who passed away over the weekend following a long illness.

Mr Cowell, 78, had prepared his team of horses at Gosford for more than 30 years and was well-liked throughout the community.

“Fred Cowell was an absolute gentleman and a very popular figure in the NSW racing industry. We are very saddened at his passing. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time,” said Racing NSW’s Chief Executive, Mr Peter V’landys AM.

As a mark of respect for Mr Cowell, Racing NSW will allow Uncle Sam - which is engaged in race 6 at Cessnock today (4:05pm) - to race under Fred’s name, while in the care of his wife, Irene.

Fred Cowell with jockey Nathan Thomas after Mighty Lucky had scored at Rosehill Gardens. Image by Bradley Photographers

Mighty Lucky was Fred’s best galloper winning four stakes races including the Group 3 Summer Cup at Royal Randwick, and along with 17 placings, amassed $852,000 in prizemoney.

Other horses to be trained by Mr Cowell included Bettabet Red (won nine races including the Muswellbrook Cup and Krambach Cup at Taree) and Sojournist (14 starts for three wins and eight placings).

Mr Cowell is survived by wife Irene, and his greater family and friends.