Death: John Hendrickson Albany has died at the age 59

John Hendrickson Albany has died: John Hendrickson, a pivotal figure in Saratoga Springs and a trailblazer in the horse racing industry, passed away unexpectedly on Monday at the age of 59. Hendrickson, renowned for his unwavering dedication to the Saratoga community and his transformative impact on horse racing, leaves behind a lasting legacy of leadership, philanthropy, and innovation.

John Hendrickson Albany husband of Marylou Whitney has Passed Away

John Hendrickson was the husband of the late Marylou Whitney, a celebrated socialite from Saratoga Springs. Since August 2017, he had served as chairman of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, where he played a crucial role in enhancing the museum’s financial health and its mission to honor the history of horse racing.

The museum’s director, Cat Masterson, expressed profound grief over Hendrickson’s passing, stating, “He was truly one of a kind, and the 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.”

During his leadership, Hendrickson was instrumental in launching several significant initiatives, including a $20 million capital campaign that led to the creation of a state-of-the-art Hall of Fame. His vision also brought about an immersive film experience, the renovation of various galleries, and the beautification of the museum grounds, including the addition of iconic jockey statues and the introduction of the “Foal Patrol” project, which provided the public with live access to the foaling process.

Beyond his contributions to the museum, Hendrickson served as a horse racing adviser to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo from 2012 to 2016. In Saratoga Springs, he and Whitney established the Saratoga Backstretch Appreciation Program in 2008, which organized events for backstretch workers and offered services like English as a Second Language classes. His dedication to the welfare of these workers culminated in the opening of the Saratoga Backstretch Clinic in 2023.

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Hendrickson’s influence extended far beyond horse racing. He was a generous benefactor of several local institutions, including the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Hospital, and the National Museum of Dance. His efforts were widely acknowledged, with NYRA President and CEO Dave O’Rourke describing him as “a highly respected civic leader in the Saratoga community,” and recognizing his crucial role in establishing the Saratoga Backstretch Clinic.

Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford also paid tribute to Hendrickson, crediting him with helping to elevate Saratoga Springs to the pinnacle of the thoroughbred racing industry in the United States. Safford expressed gratitude for Hendrickson’s many contributions to the community, including the creation of the Native Dancer Pocket Park. In 2015, Hendrickson and Whitney commissioned a life-size bronze statue of the racehorse Native Dancer to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Saratoga Springs’ incorporation.

John Hendrickson’s sudden death has left a profound void in both the Saratoga Springs community and the broader world of horse racing. However, his legacy will endure through the numerous projects and initiatives he led and the countless lives he touched.