The Fredericton Raceway community was shaken by the unexpected passing of Kelly Watts, a beloved figure with a deep-rooted history in harness racing. The news, shared via a heartfelt social media post on May 13, 2024, left friends, family, and fellow racing enthusiasts reeling from losing a cherished community member. As they come to terms with this tragic news, they reflect on Kelly’s remarkable contributions to the sport and his enduring legacy.
A Legacy in Harness Racing
Kelly Watts was a familiar face at the Fredericton Raceway, where he cultivated a lifelong passion for harness racing. Born into a family deeply entrenched in the sport, Kelly, alongside his mother Marlene, grandfather Alfred Palmer, and brothers Billy and Terry, played an integral role in managing the family stable. Under the guidance of his father, the esteemed horseman Sheldon Watts, Kelly honed his skills and left an indelible mark on the racing world.
Training Excellence
Throughout his career, Kelly Watts distinguished himself as a masterful trainer renowned for his ability to develop and nurture exceptional equine talent. Among his notable achievements was training Princetown Cody, a legendary trotter whose record-setting performance at the Meadowlands remains etched in racing history. Kelly’s expertise extended to many stake and overnight horses, including Jaguar Knight and Balmaghie Breeze, who showcased the Watts family’s dedication to excellence on the track.
A Heartfelt Farewell
As the racing community grapples with Kelly Watts’s death, expressions of sympathy and support pour in from far and wide. Friends, colleagues, and admirers fondly remember Kelly’s passion for the sport, unwavering commitment to his family, and infectious enthusiasm for life. Though his time with us was cut tragically short, Kelly’s impact on harness racing will be felt for generations.
Looking Ahead
As the Watts family mourns the loss of their beloved son, brother, husband, and friend, they find solace in the outpouring of love and support from the racing community. While details about Kelly’s obituary and arrangements are forthcoming, those who knew him best urge everyone to cherish his memory and honor his legacy by continuing to celebrate the sport he loved so dearly.
In the wake of this profound loss, let us come together to pay tribute to Kelly Watts—a true icon of harness racing whose spirit will forever live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him
