John T Botty

John Taylor Botty, 65 of Pelham New Hampshire left this earth unexpectedly and far too early, on Friday April 30, 2021.

 John leaves behind his loving wife of 32 years, Kathleen Botty of Pelham, his sister Carol Botty and her partner Martin Linder of Sutton and his niece Mikaela Linder of Boston. 

Son of the late Kenneth J. and Eileen (Barnett) Botty, John was born in New Bedford, raised in Millbury, and graduated from Syracuse University.

A respected horseman, John was known for his attention to detail, his patience, and his eye for young horses. 

Over the course of his Thoroughbred training career, he campaigned numerous New England champions including Bedazzler, Snow Down, Lovethatdirtywater, and Sassy City.  Both Sassy City and Lovethatdirtywater received prestigious Horse of the Year honors.  He saddled over 300 winners at some of the top tracks throughout the country.

Of the many quality horses he trained, Sassy City held a special place in his heart.  Owned by his wife Kathy, the spirited Mare won races across the east coast and second in graded stakes competition in 2011.  Her success was a testament to John’s horsemanship.

John enjoyed great success on the racetrack but was also deeply committed to Thoroughbred aftercare and took great pride in watching his horses enjoy retirement at Old Friends, a sanctuary farm in Kentucky.

In 2012, John was honored by the New England Turf Writers Association with the Lou Smith Award for contributions to New England racing and in recognition of his efforts to save a mare he had trained, Our Revival, from slaughter.

A lover of nature, particularly time spent outdoors fishing, John was an avid Bruins and Patriots fan, and rarely missed a game.

You would be hard pressed to find a more decent, honest, and loyal friend, brother, and husband.  His passing will leave a hole in our hearts.

Memorial services for John will be held on Monday May 10, 2021 at the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME AND CHAPEL 370 Plantation St. Worcester, Ma 01605.  Visitation will be from 4-7pm with a memorial service at 7pm. 

Please consider making memorial contributions in John’s memory to Old Friends 1841 Paynes Depot Rd Georgetown KY, 40324 or go to www.oldfriendsequine.org

To leave a note of condolence for John’s family please visit our guestbook page.