Press release, by Jen Roytz
The family of Callie Witt, the gymnast who died following an accident on the Keeneland track on Friday morning, would like to thank the racing community for the support they have received since Callie’s passing.
“We want to thank everyone who reached out, said their prayers, took the time to think about our daughter. We are completely shocked and overwhelmed not only by the loss of our little girl but also by the immense support we have received,” parents Tim and Jennifer said in a joint statement. “We always knew Callie was special and destined for greatness from the moment she was born, but we didn’t know she could touch so many people.
“We will never really know why this happened or why she left us so soon. What we do know is that she was born to ride. It ran deep and thick in her veins. We lectured her from the time she was 18 months old to the day she died about the dangers of the sport, and we always got the same answer: ‘If I’m going to die, I want to be dead. do what I love.’ Our baby girl did it. She is making those dreams come true. We are so proud of her – who she is, what she is and where she is going. She will forever be in our hearts.”
Witt, 20, is a gymnast for trainer Joe Sharp. A native of Rogers, Nebraska, she recognized her passion for horses at an early age and quickly became an accomplished jockey. She has competed in tank races and other Western and English events since the age of three and riding Thoroughbreds since the age of 14. organizations.
In addition to her equestrian activities, Witt is a talented North Bend Central High School wrestler, winning bronze at the 2019 AAU Scholastic Duals Girls National Championships and winning the championship. women’s wrestling in Nebraska for the 113 pound weight class in 2020.
After graduating with honors from high school, Witt was a student at Bluegrass Community and Technical College, where she enrolled at the North American Racing Academy.
“Callie has such an amazing and caring heart,” says her mother, Jennifer Witt. “She is always tough, but has compassion for people and animals. If she feels someone – a horse or a person, or any animal – is being abused, she will dedicate herself to being their advocate, showing courage and compassion that goes beyond those her years. ”
Known for his incredible work ethic and dedication to honing his craft, Witt traveled to local Purebred training farms, including WinStar Ranch and Margaux Ranch after finishing his career. Finished morning track training at Keeneland.
“Everything she did was unsuccessful. Anytime Joe [Sharp] or anyone else who set the standard, she erased it and tried to do even better,” said Tim. “Like all great athletes and equestrians, her biggest critic is herself. No matter what she did well, she always thought she could do better.”
Before coming to Kentucky, she worked at Fonner Park in Nebraska, where she exercised her horses in the morning and prepared for the afternoon races on her beloved horse, Miles.
“Miles is a horse, one of her teachers asked her to warm up under the saddle. He was big, and to them he was tough, but Callie had such a way with horses and made him a dream to ride,” Tim said. “In the end, she bought him from her teacher, taught him horses, and within four months of caring for him at the track, she helped him pay off, and he proved it directly. my feelings about him many times over the years. I admit I don’t usually like painted horses, but Miles is a Cadillac driver, and that’s a testament to her trainability. “
Keeneland remembered Witt throughout race day, their flags flying more than half a foot high and holding a moment of silence in her memory. Sharp’s racing barn won 7order Race on cards and steady staff put Miles in the winner’s circle for the photo.
TVG’s Christina Blacker and Caleb Keller discussed Witt’s life and accomplishments with their audience before the start of the race that day. TVG analyst Joaquin Jamie interviewed Sharp after the race, discussing Witt’s love of horses, kindness, work ethic and passion for the sport.
Several other racetracks around the country also paid tribute to Witt throughout the weekend with winners’ circle gatherings and moments of silence.
Jennifer said: “We are extremely grateful for the kindness and compassion we have received. “There is so much we want to thank; We don’t know where to start. Some of them we don’t even know their names, but we feel their love. Alpha Events Medical Team, who ran to save her when she fell, and who stayed in touch with us until we were able to go to Kentucky. The staff of the University of Kentucky emergency room did all they could to try to save her. So many people have helped us through the grief and unbearable logistics of leaving your child in peace. Joe Sharp and his team, the staff at Keeneland, her friends, co-workers, classmates, the stables she rides on… the list is too long and we are so grateful for every gesture of support. ”
In addition to her parents Tim and Jennifer, the Witt family includes two siblings, Sivana and Mason, as well as her boyfriend, Trey Miller.
A private funeral service for Witt is being planned in Nebraska. The Witt family asked that instead of flowers, Callie Witt’s name could be donated to Callie Witt Memorial Fund at the Equine Financial Statements, home of the North American Racing Academy; Jockey’s Club Safety Net Organization; and/or Blue Grass Farms Charity.
