“Uncle George” Scott died on Tuesday night after a short illness.

The 84-year-old was still training at the time of his death having first sent out runners 43 years ago.

The Highveld-based trainer was admired not only as a fine horseman, but also as a colourful individual.

His winner’s enclosure interviews not only gave a clue to his determination and professionalism, but were also laced with humorous innuendo.

He passed his love of the game on to others including his nephews Colin, who trains successfully out of Summerveld, and Rob, current CEO of TellyTrack.

The last winner he trained was the Bosworth Stud-bred Global One filly Samarra who won a maiden over 1160m at Turffontein on Christmas Eve under S’Manga Khumalo.

His best horse in recent times was the sprinter Fair Brutus, a gelding who won eight races and did the Gr 2 Senor Santa Sprint and Listed Man O’ War Sprint double within two weeks at Newmarket in 2007.

Scott began his training career in Bloemfontein and became the competitive centre’s leading trainer. At the time of his death he was based at Turffontein where he had 25 boxes.

His daughter is overseas at present so funeral arrangements will be announced later.