Kelly Watts Obituary: Beloved Horse Trainer and Rider Passes Away Unexpectedly
Kelly Watts, a renowned horse trainer and rider from Fredericton, New Brunswick, has passed away unexpectedly, leaving the Fredericton Raceway community in shock and mourning. The news of his sudden death was announced on social media on May 13, 2024, with further details to be announced by his family in due course.
Kelly was deeply involved with the Fredericton Raceway and had a long history with harness racing, following in the footsteps of his father, the esteemed horseman Sheldon Watts. Alongside his mother, Marlene, and grandfather, Alfred Palmer, Kelly and his brothers, Billy and Terry, helped manage the family stable, which had a rich legacy in the sport.
Throughout his career, Kelly trained numerous outstanding horses, including the exceptional trotter, Princetown Cody, who set a record of 1:56.2 at the Meadowlands, a distance of over a mile, an impressive 25 years ago. He also played a significant role in shaping several other stake and overnight horses, including Jaguar Knight and Balmaghie Breeze, both of which were excellent horses for the Watts family.
Kelly’s passion for horse training and riding was evident in everything he did, and his dedication to the sport was inspiring to all who knew him. His unexpected passing has left a void in the lives of his friends, family, and the entire Fredericton Raceway community, who will deeply miss his expertise, enthusiasm, and love for the sport.
As news of Kelly’s passing spreads, tributes are pouring in from the harness racing community, with many remembering his kindness, humility, and generosity. His contributions to the sport will never be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of horse trainers and riders.
Kelly is survived by his father, Sheldon Watts, his brothers, Billy and Terry, his wife, Gail, and his extended family, who are all deeply saddened by his untimely passing. The Fredericton Raceway community and the entire harness racing world offer their sincerest condolences to Kelly’s loved ones during this difficult time.
In the days and weeks ahead, the harness racing community will come together to celebrate Kelly’s life and legacy, sharing stories and memories of his many accomplishments and the impact he had on the sport. His family will announce details of his obituary and any memorial services in due course.
Rest in peace, Kelly Watts. Your love for harness racing and your dedication to the sport will never be forgotten.
The harness racing community is mourning the loss of Kelly Watts, a talented horse trainer and rider who passed away unexpectedly. Kelly’s contributions to the sport will be deeply missed, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Kelly’s family, including his father, Sheldon Watts, his brothers, Billy and Terry, his wife, Gail, and his extended family, are in the thoughts and prayers of the entire harness racing community during this difficult time. May they find comfort in the knowledge that Kelly’s love for the sport and his many accomplishments will never be forgotten.
In conclusion, Kelly Watts’ unexpected passing is a tragic loss for the harness racing community. His dedication, expertise, and love for the sport will be deeply missed, and his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate others to pursue their passions. Rest in peace, Kelly Watts.
