by Shawn Wiles, for Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Longtime Monticello Raceway patron and matriarch Ruthie Stern was honored on Tuesday (May 3) at Monticello Raceway with a race held in her honor.

Geri Schwarz photo

Last Best Chance won the race named for Ruthie Stern.

Ruthie has been an avid fan of harness racing for more than 40 years and has had horses with Billy “Zeke” Parker.

She was also referred to as the carrot lady, as every time she came to the barn she had a bag of carrots.

Although the 84-years-young Stern was not in attendance, she was able to watch on satellite.

Leading Monticello Raceway driver Bruce Aldrich Jr. drove the winner of the race, Last Best Chance, for trainer Thomas Merton and owner John Migliore of Port Jervis N.Y.