Passing of John Hendrickson: Tributes from the Industry

[Wandering Eyes]

The day after the sudden passing of philanthropist John Hendrickson, the racing community he had helped so much was mourning his passing.

Hendrickson, who married Marylou Whitney in 1997, became the racing manager for Marylou Whitney Stables in addition to serving as president and chief operating officer of Whitney Industries. Hendrickson continued the racing stable after Whitney died in 2019 at the age of 93, campaigning graded stakes winners Pretty Birdie and Super Quick under the Marylou Whitney Stables banner.

Hendrickson led numerous initiatives that enhanced Saratoga's National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, including 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.

Hendrickson, who was elected chairman of the Museum on Aug. 10, 2017, helped in the beautification projects to the Museum's Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Courtyard and recently the Beautiful Pleasure East Garden Courtyard.

After serving as a New York Racing Association board member, Hendrickson took on a special adviser role through an appointment by then New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo from 2012 through 2016. For the New York racing community, Hendrickson and Whitney created the Saratoga Backstretch Appreciation Program in 2008, organizing free events and services for backstretch workers. After Whitney's death, Hendrickson continued to support backstretch appreciation dinners, English as a Second Language classes, and entertainment, among other initiatives.

As a tribute to his late wife, Hendrickson funded the construction of a new backstretch clinic, which opened in 2023 and provides on-site healthcare services at Saratoga Race Course. The clinic, which is operated by Saratoga Hospital in partnership with the Backstretch Employee Service Team, provides an 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.

Also among those benefitting from Hendrickson's generosity are the 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 of 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.

Tributes from the industry:

Dave O'Rourke, NYRA President and CEO
“The New York Racing Association mourns the sudden passing of John Hendrickson, longtime husband to Mrs. Marylou Whitney. 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 to Saratoga will long be remembered.”

Cate Masterson, National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Director
“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. He was truly one of a kind and this loss is immeasurable. The entire Museum board and staff is deeply saddened by his passing. Our hearts are with his family and his numerous friends. We all loved him very much.”

Chaplain Humberto Chavez
We know that friendship is a gift from God. We cherish the blessing of that gift and are grateful to God for allowing us to cross paths and be introduced to our most cherished friends.

John Hendrickson was that blessing to us, both on a deeply personal level and for what he meant to the Chaplaincy and to the backstretch community.

We are shocked and saddened as we try to come to terms with his sudden passing yesterday, at the age of 59.

John and his late wife Marylou Whitney were powerful advocates for the backstretch and they stood behind their commitment by providing resources in support of the work of the Chaplaincy and others.

In 2018, John and Marylou stepped up to join the original group of founding partners of the NY Chaplaincy Center, our new headquarters at Belmont Park.

After Marylou passed in 2019, John took the lead by continuing a program started by he and Marylou that brought joy to the entire backstretch community of Saratoga, the Backstretch Appreciation Program. He devoted long hours, and encouraged his friends to join in making this program the best in the country, with components that include learning English, hosting soccer tournaments, and providing a large food spread to feed hundreds on Sundays.

John was an original Sustaining Member of the Chaplaincy–a group dedicated to long-term support of our organization. Demonstrating exceptional generosity, John not only committed to supporting the program, but also chose to expedite his pledge, donating the entire amount immediately rather than over several years.

Just last week, John attended the Chaplaincy's annual brunch, where he witnessed the presentation of the Marylou Whitney Award to honoree Len Green for his dedication to the backstretch community. The event held special significance as Mr. Green was joined by one of his former students, who is also the granddaughter of Marylou Whitney.

It was profoundly meaningful for us that John was present at the brunch, and even more touching for him to hear the audience's heartfelt tributes to Marylou's dedication to the backstretch community.

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.

We invite you to join with us as we pray for John's family, for each other, for the backstretch, and for the vast network of people and organizations who were impacted by his life and love.

Thank you, John. We love you.

 

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