by Maurice Chodash

Richard A. Watts, 83 of Delray Beach, Florida died March 16, 2014 at Bethesda East Heart Hospital.

Richard was born June 29, 1930 in Providence, Rhode Island. He began his career as a horse caretaker with thoroughbreds through his dad. Later, Richard devoted himself to harness racing along with his wife Queen. They were affectionately known as “The King and Queen of the “Shed row”, as quoted in a profile in The Canadian Sportsmen magazine in 2006.

Richard worked with numerous trainers, such as Louis Rapone, Gene Vanlandingham, Wally McIllmurray, Tom Harmer, Neil Shapiro, Archie McNeil, Jerry Silverman, Monte Gelrod, Gary Baker, Noel Daley, Fred Grant, and Ross Croghan.

He won every major race except the Hambletonian and Little Brown Jug with such top performers as Breeders Crown winner Pick Me Up, multi-millionaire Die Laughing, Summer Child, Mambo Hall, Sadies Dreamboat, Storm Island and Merrie Kiwi.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Hope. He is survived by his wife of 57 years; three sons; four daughters; sixteen grand-children; and twenty-two great-grand-children.

Contributions to his widow to help meet any unexpected financial obligations may be sent to: Queen Watts, 16668 Winners Circle Drive, Delray Beach, Florida 33446

Memorial contributions may also be made to Bethesda East Heart Hospital in Boynton Beach, Florida.