Decades of commitment to the Millicent Racing Club by Gavin Watts have been recently recognised with life membership.

As well as being a successful owner and trainer, Watts has served the club as a committeeman and assisted with the maintenance of the Millicent racecourse.

His outstanding service was described by Millicent Racing Club president John Payne when the club held its annual general meeting at a hotel in Millicent.

As well as receiving the customary enamel badge at the club’s yearly forum, Watts was also presented with a montage of photographs showing his many wins as an owner and trainer.

Arguably his greatest success came in 2008 on a wet day at the Glenburnie racecourse.

He saddled up Royal Blevic to win the Scott Group of Companies Mount Gambier Gold Cup which is the region’s richest race.

Watts raced Royal Blevic with his wife Rosalie and fellow Millicent residents Di and Tony Egan.

Royal Blevic was first past the post on the heavy track – paying $7.30 for a win – followed by Solar Reef and Roy’s Legacy.

Due to the rain, Kelmo became the hot favourite prior to race time, but it failed to find a place, as did the other favourite, Solitas.