Harness racing great Kevin Newman has died unexpectedly at the age of 83.

John Dumesny, Harness Racing NSW chief executive, said Newman was a legend at Harold Park where he won a record 10 trainers' titles and eight as a driver.

"Kevin at 83 was well and had just finalised the sale of his Penrith home and was looking forward to moving on to the Central Coast with his wife Beryl," Dumesny said.

"He was an icon, a legend of trotting, a one in a lifetime horseman.

"It was an honour to known and be in the presence of KB Newman.

"His wit had no peer and his recall of the halcyon days of trotting never diminished."

Born in Western Australia, Kevin arrived in Sydney in 1951, two years after night trotting was introduced at Harold Park.

He became a dominate force during what is known as the golden era of harness racing in the 1960s and 70s.

Newman was the first driver to win two Miracle Miles with Halwes in 1968 and Friendly Footman in 1981.

When he retired from driving in 1986, Newman had claimed victories in almost every major race at Harold Park.

He was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 1991, was named a Living Legend by HRNSW in 2000 and was also one of seven Living Legends of Harold Park.