A Baltimore native who began his racing career as a steeplechase jockey, Sidney Watters, Jr. embarked on a stellar career training jumpers after serving in the military during World War II.
With 21 winners in 1948, Watters emerged as the leading trainer in the division. During the next quarter century, Watters held or shared the title of top steeplechase trainer six times, winning a total of 448 jump races from 1948-73. He earned more than $500,000 in purses during that time.
Watters trained two steeplechase division champions: Amber Diver and Shadow Brook. Amber Diver won the Temple Gwathmey, Brook, Langley Memorial, Tom Roby Memorial, Indian River and Georgetown in 1963. Shadow Brook swept the Lovely Night, American Grand National, Brook and Temple Gwathmey in successive starts in 1971.
By the 1970s, Watters had also established himself as a major trainer on the flat circuit with Hoist the Flag, Champion 2-year-old Colt of 1970. Watters later won the Wood Memorial, Woodward and Jockey Club Gold Cup with 1983 Champion 3-year-old Colt Slew o’ Gold.
Other notable flat horses trained by Watters included Slewpy, Love Sign and Quick Call. Major stakes victories include the Alabama, Matron, Meadowlands Cup and Beldame.
Sidney Watters, Jr. was inducted into the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame in 2005. He died on Feb. 14, 2008.