This weekend at Saratoga Racecourse in upstate New York, shines light on a famous family in horse racing. The Whitney’s have been involved in horses since before the 1920’s. The involvement, success, and philanthropic efforts have made them famous in horse racing throughout the United States. In 1928, Saratoga Racecourse named a race after William Whitney which over 100 years later will run this Saturday.
MaryLou married the grandson of William Whitney, Cornelius Vanderbuilt “C.V” Whitney in 1958. MaryLou was swept up in the world of horse racing and after her husbands death in 1992, MaryLou got even more involved than she ever was. In the 1980’s C.V. dispersed much of the Whitney thoroughbreds to make sure the MaryLou wouldn’t be burdened upon his death. However, after he passed, MaryLou spent a substantial fortune buying back the Whitney breeding stock including Dear Birdie, the dam (mother) of Birdstone, the 2004 Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes winner. She is known not only for her success in horse racing but also her philan
thropic efforts with retired racehorses and cancer research and care. Her accomplishments, awards, and good deeds are both truly impressive and extensive! See more of them here. Part of the reason people look forward to this weekend’s raceday, The Whitney, is the fashion. Much of the fashion and style on this day we attribute to Ms. MaryLou herself. Never have you seen MaryLou disheveled. Her style is always impeccable, elegant, and classic. She wears hats to the races (as every woman should) with bold statement jewelry. Pearls are her go-to and she has created quite the staple in wearing them. Her style has a Jackie-O vibe paired with the elegant yet upbeat style of Saratoga Springs. Saratoga fashion and MaryLou go hand in hand. Last year she waved to the Saratoga crowd in a bright yellow dress and sheer white coat with eccentric buttons. She always arrives in a bright and fun color giving her such a welcoming vibe to all of her fans. 
Never has she worn a huge gaudy hat. Her millinery is always just the right size. Take notes Ladies!! IF there was ever a style icon for American Racing- MaryLou would be just that. In a world that seems to loose its luster, and an industry that leans more toward the handicapper in his ripped jeans and Hawaiian shirts, MaryLou still keeps it classy and shows the fans what horse racing used to be about. The horse, the glamour, the fashion, and the fun.
MaryLou Whitney…cheers to you.