Governor Hochul Designates Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs As 'Marylou Whitney Way'

SARATOGA- Governor Kathy Hochul today designated a portion of the state highway system in the city of Saratoga Springs as the 'Marylou Whitney Way.' This follows Governor Hochul previously signing legislation (S.6738-A/A.7625-A) dedicating Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs to Marylou Whitney. 

Marylou Whitney was a staple in the Saratoga area and the horse racing community, alike. She accomplished legendary philanthropic efforts on behalf of backstretch workers and retired thoroughbreds and she played a vital role in shaping Saratoga County as it exists today. She played a key role in ensuring the Saratoga Race Course remained open, and her horses were competitive on the NYRA circuit for decades, claiming victories at both the Belmont and Travers Stakes.

"Marylou Whitney's years of dedication to Saratoga will live on forever, reflected in the work she did throughout her life," Governor Hochul said. "She was larger than life, a trailblazer of her time, and her memory will be a lasting legacy here and today I am honored to dedicate to her a piece of the city she so loved. I thank the Whitney family for their continued work here and I am grateful to be able to remember Marylou as the legend and friend she is to so many."

State Senator Daphne Jordan said, "It is befitting that state route 9-P between I-87 and East Avenue in the City of Saratoga Springs that leads to, and is adjacent to the Racecourse be designated as Marylou Whitney Way. Our historic, world-renowned Saratoga Racecourse was shaped, strengthened, and supported by Marylou Whitney's generosity. Her advocacy helped the Racecourse stay open and helped the Saratoga Meet draw over a million annually. Her horses were recognized as regular fixtures at the Travers stakes and she claimed victories and a distinguished career as an owner. Marylou was also a consequential figure who did philanthropic good works on behalf of backstretch workers and retired thoroughbreds. In addition, she was a founding member of SPAC, helped to establish the National Museum of Dance, worked to restore the National Museum of Racing, and provided years of support to Saratoga Hospital. Marylou Whitney Way will forever be associated with Marylou Whitney and the contributions she left to Saratoga Springs. I thank Governor Hochul for celebrating this designation today and for signing my Senate bill S6738A to make this a reality. I also thank my legislative colleague, Assemblywoman Woerner, for her work in ensuring the companion bill's passage through the Assembly."

Assemblymember Carrie Woerner said, "Mary Lou Whitney, who was recognized as a "Pillar of the Turf" in 2019 by National Racing Hall of Fame has long been synonymous with thoroughbred racing in Saratoga Springs. A thoroughbred breeder, a promoter of the sport of racing, and a philanthropist, Mrs. Whitney's impact on our city and on the sport of racing will live on. I am pleased to have been able to establish this tribute to one of the great women of our age."

The New York Racing Association President and Chief Executive Officer David O'Rourke said, "No one has meant more to the continued success of Saratoga Race Course than Marylou Whitney. NYRA was honored to celebrate Mrs. Whitney's lasting contributions to the sport and to Saratoga by dedicating the Clubhouse entrance in her memory. And now today, Marylou Whitney Way will serve as the gateway to Saratoga along Union Avenue -- an incredibly fitting way to continue to honor Mrs. Whitney's remarkable life and legacy."