Monticello horseman Richard Sturgis dies at 84

Richard Sturgis passed away on Saturday December 17 in Punta Gorda, Florida with his wife Karen at his side after a brief illness. He was born on November 24, 1938, in Monticello, NY, he was the son of Harold and Emma Sturgis. Richard graduated from Monticello High School in 1956 and then attended Orange County Community College in Middletown, NY. He then served in the United States Army where he was stationed in Greenland.  His timing was perfect as Monticello Raceway was just about to open its doors in 1958.

He was mentored by top horseman Robert Camper and Jim Grundy, after honing his skills Richard then opened his own public stable at Monticello Raceway that he operated for over 40 years and was a main stay of Monticello Raceway backstretch.  Over the years he campaigned many top performers as the top Open Pacer Dayvander, Day Command, Kotare Scott, Pretty Lobell and Cameo Role, he used Marvin Maker, George Gilmour and Jim Grundy to drive for his stable. He had many prominent owners over the years including Benjamin and Carl Bresky of South Fallsburg NY and Carl Solomon of Monticello, NY.

Over the years, he received multiple awards for his many top performers from the Monticello – Goshen Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association, his personal favorite, the aptly named Big Sturg.

Rich was a favorite of the Publicity Department at Monticello Raceway and was often used in Promotions. The most unique event was when Richie raced against the world’s fastest human at the time Henry Carr, former 2 X Olympian Gold Medal winner and NFL football player for the NY Giants, the horse went a mile, while Carr ran a half mile.

He and is lifelong partner Karen, also ran Happy Hour Stock Farm in Bethel, NY a small idyllic farm located just 2 miles from the site of the Original Woodstock Site, it was a prized turnout facility for the many horsemen of Monticello Raceway for decades.

Richie was an animal lover and enjoyed spending times with his dogs Pearl and Gretta, he also enjoyed maintaining the farm and could easily be found behind a tractor or tinkering in his workbench. He will be fondly remembered for his great sense of humor and laugh

Richard was predeceased by his brother Harold and sister Patti Rauch.

by Shawn Wiles, for Monticello Raceway