NYRA officially unveiled the newly renamed “Marylou Whitney Entrance,” formerly the Clubhouse entrance, at Saratoga Friday in a dedication ceremony. Flanking the entrance are two jockey statues wearing Mrs. Whitney's classic silks, commemorating her homebred Birdstone's wins in the 2004 GI Belmont S. and GI Travers S. The ceremony took place following Whitney's posthumous induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
During the event, officials from the City of Saratoga Springs unveiled a plaque that will be placed in the newly renamed “Marylou Whitney Park,” formerly known as Centennial Park. The park, located at the base of Union Ave., was built in 2015 with funding provided by Mrs. Whitney and her husband John Hendrickson, who commissioned the statue of Native Dancer in the park and donated it to the residents of Saratoga.
NYRA will continue to celebrate the life of the late racing icon with “Marylou Whitney Day” Saturday, which is highlighted by her family's namesake race, the GI Whitney S. There will be a special video tribute to the “Queen of Saratoga” and fans are encouraged to wear pink, Mrs. Whitney's signature color.
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