News
August 31, 2015Owners Ogden Mills “Dinny” Phipps and Marylou Whitney inducted into Saratoga Walk of Fame
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today honored two prominent owners for their significant contributions to the sport of thoroughbred racing and to the advancement of Saratoga Race Course during the annual Red Jacket Ceremony on the eve of the 146th running of the Grade 1, $1.6 million Travers.
Thoroughbred owner and philanthropist Marylou Whitney and industry icon Ogden Mills “Dinny” Phipps both received emblematic red Saratoga jackets from NYRA CEO and President Chris Kay during a special ceremony in the winner’s circle at Saratoga Race Course.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Whitney. “When I arrived (in Saratoga) in 1958, I knew I was home. This town has inspired me to be a better person.”
“I thank you NYRA for the award. You know my love for Saratoga Race Course,” said Phipps. “I’m very happy to be here today.”
Commemorative plaques detailing both of their accomplishments and contributions to Saratoga Race Course are permanently on display in the Saratoga Walk of Fame, which opened at the beginning of the 2015 season and houses a number of commemorative plaques honoring industry leaders, including owners, trainers and jockeys who have made an indelible mark on thoroughbred racing at historic Saratoga Race Course.
“Last month on Opening Day, July 24, we opened a wonderful new attraction just behind the grandstand, the Saratoga Walk of Fame. Now our Saratoga Red Jacket legends have a home, where our fans can learn, appreciate and respect the contributions of the great people of our sport,” said NYRA CEO and President Chris Kay. “This year we celebrate the owner, the life blood of our sport, by honoring two legendary owners in Saratoga Race Course and thoroughbred racing history: the visionary Ogden Mills “Dinny” Phipps and the beloved Marylou Whitney.”
With roots in racing dating back to 1926, Phipps has long been an advocate for the industry as both a breeder and an owner. Thoroughbreds owned by the distinguished Phipps Stable have captured victories in some of the Spa’s most prestigious races, including the Sword Dancer Invitational, Personal Ensign, the Alabama and Travers. Earlier this year, Phipps announced his retirement as chairman of The Jockey Club after 32 years of leading the organization, establishing his tenure in the position as the longest in the history of the organization.
In addition to being a celebrated philanthropist and public figure, Whitney is one of the racing industry’s most committed supporters and top breeders as owner of the eponymous Marylou Whitney Stables, which has produced such memorable thoroughbreds as 2004 Belmont Stakes and Travers winner Birdstone who himself produced two classic winners: 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird; and 2009 three-year-old champion Summer Bird. Whitney and her husband John Hendrickson have donated millions of dollars to various causes supporting the Saratoga Springs community and serve as the organizers and patrons of the annual Saratoga Backstretch Appreciation Program.
Past Saratoga Walk of Fame honorees include all-time Saratoga leading riders John Velazquez, Jerry Bailey and Angel Cordero, who were inducted in 2013; top trainers D. Wayne Lukas and Allen Jerkens; and longtime New York Racing Association race announcer Tom Durkin, who were each inducted in 2014.
The 2015 season at historic Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com or call 518.584.6200.
