No Whitney Gala This August!

[Maxspa]

Grits and all Society Debs,

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Whitney Gala, a sure sign of the racing season each August, won’t be held this year.

“We felt we need to be sensitive to what’s going on with the economy,” John Hendrickson, the husband of Marylou Whitney, said Wednesday. “In light of the downturn we thought it would be in poor taste to do an extravagant party.”

Instead, he said, they would continue their focus on improving the lives of the backstretch workers. Last summer they were involved in a program that provided more than 6,000 Sunday dinners for the workers and their families. “That really made us feel great,” Hendrickson said from their Saratoga Springs home.

The invitation-only Whitney Gala has been a local tradition since 1959, which Marylou and then-husband, the late Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, originally held at Siro’s restaurant near Saratoga Race Course, on the eve of the Whitney Stakes. For decades the party has been in the Canfield Casino in downtown’s Congress Park, where onlookers gather for Marylou Whitney’s grand entrance, based each year on a different theme, and to watch as guests arrive.

[rjorio]

My summer is ruined.

[Relwob Owner]

My summer is ruined.


I sense sarcasm in that reply and if so, it is shared on this end:)

[rjorio]

I thought MARY-LOU was on her toes when she named one of her 2YOS in honor of Governor Spitzer,Client Number 9.

[Tom]

Anyone wanna buy a tux? :(

[badcompany]

Grits and all Society Debs,

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Whitney Gala, a sure sign of the racing season each August, won’t be held this year.

“We felt we need to be sensitive to what’s going on with the economy,” John Hendrickson, the husband of Marylou Whitney, said Wednesday. “In light of the downturn we thought it would be in poor taste to do an extravagant party.”



Translation:

"Marylou had a lot of money invested with Bernie Madoff."

[rrbauer]

Translation:

"Marylou had a lot of money invested with Bernie Madoff."


:lol: :lol: :ThmbUp:

[Grits]

Hi Max!!!

Society and all that--no not me, sweetheart, I'm one of those that sent her letter to the Junior League decades ago as a young woman, telling them, "thanks, but no thanks." Today, seen at Saratoga surrounded by, and among her track buddies, all of whom are happily married men. (There's safety in these friendships and I like it that way.) Saratoga galas, or any gala have no appeal today. The backyard DOES.

I'll bet you my last $100 Marylou's kept John (that came out well didn't it?:lol: ) had no real part in the making of this decision. Either way, though, its good that he states "they need to be sensitive."

Enormously wealthy woman--she could choose anyone . . . . she chooses a guy dumber than a bucket of warm spit.


Grits and all Society Debs,

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Whitney Gala, a sure sign of the racing season each August, won’t be held this year.

“We felt we need to be sensitive to what’s going on with the economy,” John Hendrickson, the husband of Marylou Whitney, said Wednesday. “In light of the downturn we thought it would be in poor taste to do an extravagant party.”

Instead, he said, they would continue their focus on improving the lives of the backstretch workers. Last summer they were involved in a program that provided more than 6,000 Sunday dinners for the workers and their families. “That really made us feel great,” Hendrickson said from their Saratoga Springs home.

The invitation-only Whitney Gala has been a local tradition since 1959, which Marylou and then-husband, the late Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, originally held at Siro’s restaurant near Saratoga Race Course, on the eve of the Whitney Stakes. For decades the party has been in the Canfield Casino in downtown’s Congress Park, where onlookers gather for Marylou Whitney’s grand entrance, based each year on a different theme, and to watch as guests arrive.

[JustRalph]

she wants to impress somebody with her money, instead of feeding them on a Sunday, build them a dormitory on the backstretch of some all year round track

[Grits]

Agreed, Ralph. Really. After all, how much can a chicken plate cost?

[Maxspa]

Grits and Debs,

Remember this: "Enormously wealthy woman-- she could choose anyone... she chooses a guy dumber than a bucket of warm spit."

I'm trying to figure out who was the famous author that penned the above adage???? There were a few throwers of the stuff. How about Hoyt Wilhelm, Phil Neikro or an up- to- date Tim Wakefield. Could it be one those
guys?
Actually Mary Lou has done considerable charitable work in the Saratoga Area. I thought her husband John was a very successful business man in Alaska! Well, I guess the substance doesn't have to be warm.
All In Fun,
Maxspa

[Grits]

And Max, what you speak of, her philanthropy, is of course, the reason Marylou is so well loved in Saratoga.

[rokitman]

http://media.bigoo.ws/content/gif/smiles/smiles_407.gif

[lamboguy]

http://media.bigoo.ws/content/gif/smiles/smiles_407.gif

i feel your pain!

[slewis]

True story for the PA blue collar: (incl me).


Last year we won the Tampa Bay Derby with Big Truck. The woman who owns the track (TBD), is a lovely person. The track employees were so wonderful (compared to Keeneland where I wouldn't spit on the graves of the management there) they treated us well before the race, and of course after.
There was a post race champagne party in their VIP room, which is customary at most tracks for the winners of major stakes races.
So off we go with our group and Barclay Tagg...

Mary Lou was there for the race and of course, invited by the owner of the track, to the party. She asked the owner if she could meet the people associated with Big Truck. So we graciously went over to her table and introduced ourselves.
She asked where we were from and we told her NY.
She asks the principle owner where in NY he lived and my friend said "Westbury".

Mary Lou replies (and I swear this is true) "Oh, really, I used to OWN Westbury".
I almost puked my Moet on her.

[kenwoodallpromos]

I was planning on winning the lottery and attending this year!!

[badcompany]

This book that just came out has a lot about Marylou. Nothing too bad.


http://www.clubvibes.com/images/listings/events/115572.jpg

[DrugS]

Mary Lou replies (and I swear this is true) "Oh, really, I used to OWN Westbury".
I almost puked my Moet on her.

Wasn't there a really bad horse in NY about ten or so years ago named Westbury? I think sired by Stop The Music .. an old Greentree horse.

Something tells me she probably didn't mean him though.

[Relwob Owner]

True story for the PA blue collar: (incl me).


Last year we won the Tampa Bay Derby with Big Truck. The woman who owns the track (TBD), is a lovely person. The track employees were so wonderful (compared to Keeneland where I wouldn't spit on the graves of the management there) they treated us well before the race, and of course after.
There was a post race champagne party in their VIP room, which is customary at most tracks for the winners of major stakes races.
So off we go with our group and Barclay Tagg...

Mary Lou was there for the race and of course, invited by the owner of the track, to the party. She asked the owner if she could meet the people associated with Big Truck. So we graciously went over to her table and introduced ourselves.
She asked where we were from and we told her NY.
She asks the principle owner where in NY he lived and my friend said "Westbury".

Mary Lou replies (and I swear this is true) "Oh, really, I used to OWN Westbury".
I almost puked my Moet on her.



I almost spit up my coffee laughing......I could totally see that. The older I get, the more I realize that those worshipped by others often dont deserve to be.....I go to Saratoga every year and at the absolute bottom of my to do list would be to go see her make a "grand entrance" at a parade

[LIH]

Several years ago, I had 7/8 times when my miserable average life crossed paths with MLW at certain charity events, and a few private parties I had been invited to. My signifigant other at the time was a well known individual in the business, and when I was introduced to her, she had this uncanny way of looking right thru me as if I was Mr. Invisible from a cartoon. Her eyes actually avoided focusing on anything about my being, and her look sent me a message that I had yet, in my 30 some odd years at that time, had ever experienced before to that moment. Eliteism, pure and straight foward. I suddenly felt as if I was in India, and I was one of those small Slumdog boys in the presence of the highest caste members in society. Her disrigarding glance sent the message loud and clear, as if to say, "don't ever make the mistake of trying to talk to me again". It was amusing to me, as someone in her party asked me a question, she would talk right over my response to one of her own party members while also appearing to be annoyed with one of her subjects for even addressing me. It truly was something I had never felt before, and it taught me something about life. I guess I am lucky to not be blessed with great wealth. I would have not a notion how to handle people like that. I have met many wealthy millionaires many times over in this game, people with real money, never once have I felt that disdain, coldness, and air of superiority. It wasn't just one time, it was several times I was in that womans presense. Not an ounce or a sense of human awarness, that there are all different types of us on this planet, born into all different circumstances. It is never ok to make someone uncomfortable and feel less than. I lived to see other days, and what the hell did it matter, but, it was something I won't ever forget. The condescendance.

I remember the next day, I was chatting with my mother, who was one smart cookie, telling her about the night before. I told her the way MLW was when I was introduced to her. She laughed and said, "imagine that, she of all people should remember entering the world of eliteism, she entered it while on her back, working as a low rung actress, I guess she had a good veiw from there."....

When CV Whitney died, she inherited some $100 million dollars. I do applaud her efforts after CV's death with donating money to the Thoroughbred Industry, and projects to support the Adirondack regions that she seems to be passionate about. Any efforts about that I raise my glass to her for. It is far more financially that I will ever be able to do. SHe should be lauded for that. I do think of her when I see that Goldie Hawn movie from time to time on cable, the one with Kurt Russell, where as the socialite survives a falling off a her yacht, and suffers from amnesia. I always would think that MLW would benefit from a life lesson such as this. Send her back to Mexico or Pakistan for a few months to live, and help out the families of the men who take care of her horses. I've seen where they come from, dirt floors and all. You get humble and thankful right away. You learn never to think you are better than anyone else just because of where you were dropped down here on earth.

[rokitman]

True story for the PA blue collar: (incl me).


Last year we won the Tampa Bay Derby with Big Truck. The woman who owns the track (TBD), is a lovely person. The track employees were so wonderful (compared to Keeneland where I wouldn't spit on the graves of the management there) they treated us well before the race, and of course after.
There was a post race champagne party in their VIP room, which is customary at most tracks for the winners of major stakes races.
So off we go with our group and Barclay Tagg...

Mary Lou was there for the race and of course, invited by the owner of the track, to the party. She asked the owner if she could meet the people associated with Big Truck. So we graciously went over to her table and introduced ourselves.
She asked where we were from and we told her NY.
She asks the principle owner where in NY he lived and my friend said "Westbury".

Mary Lou replies (and I swear this is true) "Oh, really, I used to OWN Westbury".I almost puked my Moet on her.

She was referring to Westbury Stables, founded by William C. Whitney, Mr. Puke.

[thespaah]

True story for the PA blue collar: (incl me).


Last year we won the Tampa Bay Derby with Big Truck. The woman who owns the track (TBD), is a lovely person. The track employees were so wonderful (compared to Keeneland where I wouldn't spit on the graves of the management there) they treated us well before the race, and of course after.
There was a post race champagne party in their VIP room, which is customary at most tracks for the winners of major stakes races.
So off we go with our group and Barclay Tagg...

Mary Lou was there for the race and of course, invited by the owner of the track, to the party. She asked the owner if she could meet the people associated with Big Truck. So we graciously went over to her table and introduced ourselves.
She asked where we were from and we told her NY.
She asks the principle owner where in NY he lived and my friend said "Westbury".

Mary Lou replies (and I swear this is true) "Oh, really, I used to OWN Westbury".
I almost puked my Moet on her.
This is why I never answer questions of a personal nature to a complete stranger. The reply to my answer may be something I may not want to hear. Especially when dealing with people who are out of my league.
I used to live in Hilton Head, SC and was introduced to a few celebs and pro atheletes by people I was friends with and by others who are overly impressed by social status.
I always kept my distance. And kept it real. I was asked by one person ( I hate name dropping so I won't mention the person) where I was from and so on. I just said "New Jersey" And that was it.
I met Mrs Whitney once at the Spa. Hello and have a nice day was my input. Done. Walk away.

[thespaah]

I almost spit up my coffee laughing......I could totally see that. The older I get, the more I realize that those worshipped by others often dont deserve to be.....I go to Saratoga every year and at the absolute bottom of my to do list would be to go see her make a "grand entrance" at a parade
I'm wiht you. When I see a celeb or a famous person coming toward me or there's a chance meet with them, I am the one who avoids contact. I have reversed course many times at Saratoga just to avoid being the one who looks like the star struck idiot who asks the stupid questions.
I do not know these people, they are not my friends. They mean no more to me than a regular guy. I just like to keep clear.

[Grits]

LIH, your mother was right in many ways. This woman married way, WAAAAYYY UP when she collared Sonny Whitney.

I'd have to disagree with your mother, though, on the value of memory. The Marylou Whitney's of the world often work the hardest at burying their humble, and in her case, working beginnings. As the old saying goes, "one can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear." I don't care how often one travels to France for cosmetic surgery, or how many Chanel suits one purchases year after year. More importantly, one can't buy grace, no matter how vast one's holdings may be.

She wasn't worth your interest, or your time. She's been appreciated because of his money, she's been laughed at due to her ignorance. She was born of a time and a desire when NY revered the Grand Dames of the social register. She's still there. But now, instead, she's just some old dame. And no one cares but her and her John.

[Rocklane]

Cancelling the gala actually hurts the economy. Caterers, food and booze sales people/distributors, florist, waiters, chefs, bartenders, etc. are now missing out on what was more than likely a decent payday.

[Grits]

I'm rereading my own posts, and others. PA may remove all of them. I sound mean spirited, and its not pleasant, not at all. And I have the nerve to speak of grace? I'm ashamed of myself for doing so.

Sorry guys. I should know better. I'll let this old society maven be.

[Relwob Owner]

This is why I never answer questions of a personal nature to a complete stranger. The reply to my answer may be something I may not want to hear. Especially when dealing with people who are out of my league.
I used to live in Hilton Head, SC and was introduced to a few celebs and pro atheletes by people I was friends with and by others who are overly impressed by social status.
I always kept my distance. And kept it real. I was asked by one person ( I hate name dropping so I won't mention the person) where I was from and so on. I just said "New Jersey" And that was it.
I met Mrs Whitney once at the Spa. Hello and have a nice day was my input. Done. Walk away.


Couldnt agree more.....I think that is actually one of the things I love so much about the small racetrack(Charlestown) that I have been going to since I was ten....nobody gives a crap what you do, who you are or how much money you have--everyone is there to hang out, enjoy themselves and try to win some dough.

[Relwob Owner]

I'm rereading my own posts, and others. PA may remove all of them. I sound mean spirited, and its not pleasant, not at all. And I have the nerve to speak of grace? I'm ashamed of myself for doing so.

Sorry guys. I should know better. I'll let this old society maven be.


Good to see that you can look at your own posts and have regret....I have done that-however, you may be being hard on yourself....I believe the stories I have read and for people who treat others like that, what goes around comes around....

[LIH]

LIH, your mother was right in many ways. This woman married way, WAAAAYYY UP when she collared Sonny Whitney.

I'd have to disagree with your mother, though, on the value of memory. The Marylou Whitney's of the world often work the hardest at burying their humble, and in her case, working beginnings. As the old saying goes, "one can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear." I don't care how often one travels to France for cosmetic surgery, or how many Chanel suits one purchases year after year. More importantly, one can't buy grace, no matter how vast one's holdings may be.

She wasn't worth your interest, or your time. She's been appreciated because of his money, she's been laughed at due to her ignorance. She was born of a time and a desire when NY revered the Grand Dames of the social register. She's still there. But now, instead, she's just some old dame. And no one cares but her and her John.

On another note, off another avenue, I feel at this time, I must mention another Whitney woman, One worth mentioning. They stand as complete alter ego's from one another, and a woman I had the complete and utter priveledge to meet, and work for a time. Betsey Cushing Whitney was one of three daughters born to a famous neurosurgeon, and a woman from a socially prominent Cleveland family. From the way I remember the story being told to me, as all mothers, especially ones from that time, and also social status, Mrs. Cushing hoped her three daughters would marry upwardly mobile men who could support them in ways that were better than even the manner in which they as parents had done. The three girls did so, with Betsey marrying James Roosevelt in the 1930's, whose father was then govenor of New York. They themselves had two daughters, and after her father in law became President, Betsey was very close and revered by FDR. She had class, smarts and was beautiful. After many distinguished years, James Roosevelt left for Hollywood to work for Samuel Goldwyn, but for whatever reason, the marriage did not survive,(damn Californication) and the couple divorced around 1940. Two years later, Betsey married millionaire John Hay Whitney, known by Jock to his friends and in the racing community. Jock had a history already deeply entrenched in Thoroughbred Racing, developing a love from his mother for horses and racing, first thru jumpers, then spreading into the Thoroughbred Flat racing community. He and his sister took over the helm of what was Greentree Stable, and turned it into one of the most prestigious, and biggest powerhouses of the American Turf. Just google the man, his accomplishments and his prowess ran far and deep. His interests spanned to many diverse areas. He is one of the key men responsible for the making of Gone With the Wind, and also coined the phrase and style "crew cut" for the haircut we know today, just a few quirky tidbits that run far too many too list.

The reason that I bring Mrs Cushing Whitney up, is because, I also remember the three or four times I had the pleasure of meeting her, and also, as an employee, answering briefly to her as I had the responsiblity of working with her young horses, doing my part in helping them get ready for the races. I had my hands on horses with sires like Nijinsky, Ribot, Bold Ruler, it was amazing. She took the time to look at you, listen, and treat you as if you were someone worth listening to. I sat in a room with her with paintings signed by Van Gogh, Renoir, and many other's I am sure were far famous, but had no knowledge of. Here was a woman who, if it were a matter of class making me worthy to her, I would have had to be 300 miles away, down the road at the Motel Six to get near her, yet, she never once made me feel as if I had no business being in that room, talking to her, regardless if I was caring for her horseflesh. She and Jock had donated Millions of dollars to a multitude of groups and foundations. She was a benefactor of North Shore University hospital, and countless amounts to MOMA, Yale University,NY-Cornell Medical Center just to name a few. When she spoke to me, she was warm, and a kindness eluded from her that was obvious. She had class, she was wealthy, but it made no matter to her when it came to speaking to another well under her social status. She taught the same thing to her daughters, and her grandchildren, who are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Now that was a classy Whitney woman, she was THE REAL MRS. WHITNEY. It always has bothered me when the term "Mrs Whitney" came up in Saratoga, most people were not even aware of Mrs. Betsey Cushing Whitney, IMHO, she was the original. I mourn that those wonderful pink and black silks are not in the program anymore. They were one of the best of the American Turf.

[Maxspa]

LIH,
Thank you for sharing first hand information regarding Mrs. Cushing Whitney. Your informative letter gave credence and provided interest on this topic to horseplayers and people who love history on this forum.
I for one enjoyed the magnificent history lesson that was so well written!
Maxspa

[slewis]

She was referring to Westbury Stables, founded by William C. Whitney, Mr. Puke.

Is that right ? Where you present, too??

How's abot the dissing of Nick Zito on National TV after the guy worked his tail off to train the Belmont winner and all she could say is how she loved Smarty Jones.

What was the reference there?

I told the story and the response verbatim. Too bad if you dont like the truth .
I wasn't the only one that was there and others HEARD IT precisely the way it was told by me. We all had a laugh at it and at her.

Sorry but in the USA, we are free to abuse royalty (or those that think they are).

[LIH]

LIH,
Thank you for sharing first hand information regarding Mrs. Cushing Whitney. Your informative letter gave credence and provided interest on this topic to horseplayers and people who love history on this forum.
I for one enjoyed the magnificent history lesson that was so well written!
Maxspa

Wow, thanks Maxspa!

I'm so happy to hear that people find Thoroughbred history interesting. I used to read for hours about the old time racehorses, and their connections, I still do to this day,

Good Luck to ya,
LIH

[Grits]

Your post WAS a fine, fine read, LIH. Like Max says, thank you.

One of my favorite tomes, that I own, is The History Of Thoroughbred Racing In America by William H.P.Robertson. From its beginning up until the mid 1960s, almost 600 pages covers a lot. Some wonderful stories of horses and owners.

[LIH]

Your post WAS a fine, fine read, LIH. Like Max says, thank you.

One of my favorite tomes, that I own, is The History Of Thoroughbred Racing In America by William H.P.Robertson. From its beginning up until the mid 1960s, almost 600 pages covers a lot. Some wonderful stories of horses and owners.

Grits,

That big black book with it's wonderful red lettered title is one of my very favorites. I lugged it around when I was a small child when it weighed more than I did! LOL, I still have it, love all the photographs as well.


LIH

[LIH]

When she spoke to me, she was warm, and a kindness eluded from her that was obvious. .


I apologize for my mistake. The following sentence should read;

When she spoke to me, she was warm, and a kindness exuded from her that was obvious.

My bad.

[badcompany]

LIH, your mother was right in many ways. This woman married way, WAAAAYYY UP when she collared Sonny Whitney.

I'd have to disagree with your mother, though, on the value of memory. The Marylou Whitney's of the world often work the hardest at burying their humble, and in her case, working beginnings.

In that book, I posted upthread, the author talks about how the men of Palm Beach are quick to tell you how they became successful; whereas, the woman keep the story, of their rise, a secret, because it usually involved their knees being pinned behind their ears.

[supercap]

True story for the PA blue collar: (incl me).


Last year we won the Tampa Bay Derby with Big Truck. The woman who owns the track (TBD), is a lovely person. The track employees were so wonderful (compared to Keeneland where I wouldn't spit on the graves of the management there) they treated us well before the race, and of course after.
There was a post race champagne party in their VIP room, which is customary at most tracks for the winners of major stakes races.
So off we go with our group and Barclay Tagg...

Mary Lou was there for the race and of course, invited by the owner of the track, to the party. She asked the owner if she could meet the people associated with Big Truck. So we graciously went over to her table and introduced ourselves.
She asked where we were from and we told her NY.
She asks the principle owner where in NY he lived and my friend said "Westbury".

Mary Lou replies (and I swear this is true) "Oh, really, I used to OWN Westbury".
I almost puked my Moet on her.
Hey slewis do you have a mare named shorhouse?

[slewis]

NO, I dont own a piece of her... she was part of the crap Mike Brice stuffed down my friends throats.


Friends do.....or had.. dont know current status of her.

[supercap]

I had her as a baby, she won first out at belmont with bailey on. Came out of the race with two cracked shoulders. never tried again. Thanks for the info.