At an age when most people are thinking about retirement, racehorse trainer Bede Murray enjoyed a career resurgence.

The popular NSW South Coast trainer has died aged 80 after being diagnosed with cancer early in 2015.

After he began training in 1962, Murray enjoyed many successes including the 1984 Doomben Cup with Hussar's Command.

But it took until the turn of the century to find the horses that would take him to national prominence.

Universal Prince, Victory Vein, Half Hennessy and Coniston Bluebird emerged in a golden period for the stable.

In the spring of 2000, Universal Prince proved himself Sydney's best staying three-year-old with his Spring Champion Stakes success but was beaten by Hit The Roof in the Victoria Derby.

Murray's faith in the colt didn't waver and he came back in the autumn to fulfil the trainer's Australian Derby dream.

Later that year, Murray's Melbourne Cup hopes were shattered when Victorian veterinary stewards controversially ruled him out of the race saying he was lame despite the trainer's pleas.

Derby wins also followed for Coniston Bluebird in New Zealand and Half Hennessy in Queensland.

But it was perhaps speedy filly Victory Vein who captured the most hearts.

Victory Vein won three stakes races leading into the 2002 Golden Slipper only to be beaten a long neck by Calaway Gal in the big race.

She bounced back to win the Sires' Produce and Champagne Stakes, earning the title of that season's champion two-year-old.

By now, Murray had his two sons Paul and Graeme working with him at Kembla Grange while he tried to spend as much time as possible on his farm at Lake Conjola, developing young horses and looking after those who were spelling.

Until late last year, Murray was a regular racegoer whenever his horses were performing.