SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — John Hendrickson was often referred to as the husband of the “Queen of Saratoga,” but his lasting contributions to horse racing and the Spa City itself leave behind a legacy of note that will never be forgotten.
Following his unexpected death Monday , individuals from all walks of life mourned the loss of a beloved philanthropist, horse enthusiast and Saratogian. Hailing from Alaska, Hendrickson graduated from West High School in Anchorage, was a former state tennis champion and tennis instructor, and was a former aide to Gov. Walter J.
Hickel. Following an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 1989, having taken part in a segment concerning Alaskan men looking for brides, Hendrickson met his future wife, racing icon, philanthropist and socialite Marylou Whitney, while Whitney was on a trip in Alaska. They were married in 1997, and Hendrickson became racing manager for Marylou Whitney Stable as well as president and chief operating officer of Whitney Industries.
Together, Whitney and Hendrickson also created the Saratoga Backstretch Appreciation Program in 2008, organizing free events and services for backstretch workers. Following Whitney’s death in 2019 at 93, Hendrickson continued to support backstretch appreciation dinners, English as a Second Language classes, and entertainment, among other initiatives as well as financing the construction of a new backstretch clinic, which opened in 2023 and provides on-site healthcare services at Saratoga Race Course, as tribute to his late wife. The clinic, operated by Saratoga Hospital in partnership with the Backstretch Employee Service Team provides a dramatically improved experience for those receiving primary and emergency healthcare services at the track through doctors and medical professionals from Saratoga Hospital.
He also contributed funding toward the New York Racetrack Chaplaincy Center at Belmont Park in 2023. “John Hendrickson was that blessing to us, both on a deeply personal level and for what he meant to the Chaplaincy and the backstretch community,” Chaplain Humberto Chavez of New York Race Track Chaplaincy of America said in a statement on Tuesday. “John’s exemplary support has left a lasting impact on our organization and the Thoroughbred racing industry, and his generosity and commitment to the backstretch community will be remembered with great respect.
“The entirety of the backstretch will mourn his loss.” Hendrickson would also go on to continue the racing stable after Whitney’s death and campaigned graded stakes winners Pretty Birdie and Super Quick under the Marylou Whitney Stables banner. Horses were something Hendrickson was very passionate about.
His generosity and leadership were impactful throughout the racing and Saratoga Springs communities, serving as a New York Racing Association board member, as well as taking on a Hendrickson took on a special adviser role through an appointment by former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo from 2012 through 2016. “The New York Racing Association mourns the sudden passing of John Hendrickson, longtime husband to Mrs.
Marylou Whitney,“ said NYRA President and CEO Dave O’Rourke via statement Tuesday. “John was a highly respected civic leader in the Saratoga community who played an important role as Board Chair of the National Museum of Racing, and as an instrumental member of the committee that orchestrated the 150th anniversary of horse racing at Saratoga. “John was a devoted philanthropist in support of the Saratoga Backstretch community and, most recently, played a pivotal role in the construction of the Saratoga Backstretch Clinic.
His contributions to horse racing and Saratoga will long be remembered.” Hendrickson was elected chairman of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame on Aug. 10, 2017, succeeding Gretchen Jackson, who had served in the position since 2014 and led numerous initiatives that enhanced the Museum.
Some included spearheading a $20 million capital campaign to develop a state-of-the-art Hall of Fame and introduce an innovative and immersive signature film experience, as well as numerous renovated and reimagined galleries. A statement released Tuesday morning expressed how Hendrickson led the museum through a time of great prosperity, as attendance and finances steadily improved during his tenure, and along with the world-class Hall of Fame, Hendrickson’s time as chairman included beautification projects that brought new life to the Museum’s Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Courtyard and recently the Beautiful Pleasure East Garden Courtyard. Dozens of iconic jockey statues representing historic and modern racing stables were added to enhance the grounds while serving as a significant source of revenue for the Museum.
Hendrickson also led the Museum’s popular online Foal Patrol project, a series of live cameras that gave racing fans the unique opportunity to watch and learn about the foaling process of thoroughbred mares. Foal Patrol received millions of views during its five-year run and influenced numerous farms that started similar programs. “John Hendrickson was a visionary leader who had a tremendous passion for the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, the Saratoga Springs community, and racing in general,” said Cate Masterson, the Museum’s director, via statement Tuesday.
“He was truly one of a kind and this loss is immeasurable. The entire Museum board and staff are deeply saddened by his passing. “Our hearts are with his family and his numerous friends.
We all loved him very much.” At his death, Hendrickson was in Saratoga Springs, taking an active part of the summer scene in the Spa City. Hall of Fame and Communications Director, Brien Bouyea, shared he was a constant fixture, attending the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, the Museum Gala and a big presence at the museum, while also attending the Saratoga Race Course frequently.
“He was a vibrant part of our community here at the museum, and obviously in Saratoga and in racing,” Bouyea said. “It was a big shock to all of us. I mean, he’s somebody that we got to deal with all the time and had a great relationship with and constant communication with, especially during the Saratoga season.
It was a huge shock to us. “He’s irreplaceable, he’s got one of those larger-than-life personalities and just makes everybody feel welcome. He loved the museum, loved Saratoga and loved the sport.
It’s a big shock for us right now.” Throughout Saratoga Springs, numerous charitable organizations benefited from Hendrickson’s kindness and generosity, including Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Hospital and the National Museum of Dance. In 2015, as part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the city, Hendrickson and Whitney commissioned a life-size bronze sculpture of the legendary racehorse Native Dancer and gifted it to the city to celebrate the milestone.
Two years earlier, Hendrickson was instrumental in the planning of the city-wide celebration of the 150th anniversary of the inaugural 1863 Saratoga race meeting. “Everything John did to make Saratoga a world-class city, he did to honor his wife, Marylou, and to ensure her legacy,” Saratoga Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus said. “I worked with him on the Saratoga 150 Celebration in 2013 and as part of our successful advocacy in 2016 to end state government control of horse racing and the Saratoga Race Course.
“He was smart, personable, kind, and a leader who inspired those around him to do whatever was needed to move his ideas into action. Our community lost a great person with John’s passing.” Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford also commented on Hendrickson’s passing, highlighting the work he did to shine a bright light on the Spa City.
“John Hendrickson, a respected member of the Saratoga Springs Community, will be remembered for his great philanthropy work, kindness to all Saratogians and, particularly, the fine work he did for the backstretch workers,” Safford said via release. “He was instrumental in establishing the Backstretch Health Clinic. “John, as Chairman of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, has made Saratoga Springs the jewel of the thoroughbred racing industry for this country.
The many contributions made to the Saratoga Community, such as the Native Dancer Pocket Park, will be an everlasting legacy to the city that he loved. “John Hendrickson will be missed.” According to Bouyea, the National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame is in the process of planning a celebration of life for Hendrickson which is expected to be announced in the near future.
In terms of services, there hasn’t been confirmation of whether it would be a public or private affair, but the museum is planning something to honor Hendrickson. “He was a very welcoming, warm person. He could instantly make you feel like you’ve known him forever, even if it was the first time you’ve met him,” Bouyea recalled.
“He was involved in so many things here at the track, at the museum — He’s just an immeasurable loss, and we’re really going to miss him.” FILE PHOTO Saratoga Springs’ “first couple,” Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson, officially open Centennial Park in 2015. The couple donated the costs of designing and building the “pocket park.
” Photo by Paul Post – [email protected] Marylou Whitney, center, was inducted to the Walk of Fame at Saratoga Race Course in 2015. She is joined by her husband, John Hendrickson, right.
Photo provided. FILE PHOTO Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson attend Saratoga Hospital’s 36th Annual Gala. FILE PHOTO In this file photo, Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson stand in front of Centennial Park, which was renamed “Marylou Whitney Park.
” (File photo) Gov. Kathy Hochul and Marylou Whitney’s widower, John Hendrickson, unveil the Marylou Whitney Way street sign at Saratoga Race Course. (Darren McGee- Office of Governor Kathy Hochul) Philanthropist John Hendrickson speaks at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new backstretch healthcare clinic at Saratoga Race Course in 2022.
He funded the construction of the facility as a tribute to his late wife Marylou Whitney. (MediaNews Group file photo) Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Gov.
Andrew Cuomo presents Marylou Whitney’s husband, John Hendrickson, with a plaque that declares August 3 as “Marylou Whitney Day in New York.” Saratoga Springs’ “first couple,” Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson, officially open Centennial Park in 2015. The couple donated the costs of designing and building the “pocket park.
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