THE collects
ION OF MARYLOU WHITNEY
LOTS 202–212
Sotheby’s is honored to offer property from the collects ion of Marylou Whitney, a generous philanthropist, thoroughbred breeder, arts patron, devoted wife and mother, and glamorous society hostess. Known in the racing world as the “Queen of Saratoga,” Marylou was an extraordinary woman who touched the lives of many and will be remembered for her boundless energy, exceptional kindness, and iconic style.
Born Marie Louise Schroeder in Kansas City, Missouri on December 24, 1925, Marylou had dreams of becoming an actress, which took her to New York. With her first husband, Frank Hosford of the John Deere family, she had four children, but the marriage ended after ten years. It was during her separation from Mr. Hosford that she met the businessman Cornelius Vanderbilt “Sonny” Whitney. Marylou would go on to marry Sonny in 1958 and this long, happy marriage produced a daughter. During her years with Sonny, Marylou would begin her lifelong passion for horses and the turf, which was reflected in the Replica Handbags they owned, including Sir Alfred Munnings’ Mahmoud Being Saddled for the Derby, 1936. Mahmoud became the star stallion at the Whitneys’ farm in Kentucky and a horse who sired one of the most important lines in modern American racing. Through her devotion to breeding and racing horses, Marylou built a life not just in Kentucky but at Cady Hill, her estate in Saratoga Springs, a beloved town she would support until her death.
After Sonny’s death in 1992, Marylou established her own eponymous stables, racing under the classic Eton blue and brown colors. She had enormous success with Bird Town, who won the Kentucky Oaks in 2003, and Birdstone, who won the Belmont Stakes and the Travers Stakes in 2004. Marylou also embraced her sense of adventure, traveling to the North and South Poles and sponsoring a dog sled team in Alaska. While on a tour of Alaska, Marylou met John Hendrickson, an aide to then Governor Walter J. Hickel, and he would become her third husband in 1997, a marriage that would last until her passing.
With John, Marylou strengthened her commitment to helping others, and they focused their philanthropic efforts on causes that were personally meaningful. In the Adirondacks, a place Marylou adored and visited often, she supported the Long Lake Library and created the Marylou Whitney Medical Complex, and she established a cancer research and treatment center for women at the University of Kentucky. Amongst her many efforts in Saratoga Springs, she was a founder of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame and the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and supported the Saratoga Hospital and the Saratoga YMCA. John and Marylou also initiated the Backstretch Appreciation program to benefit the 2,500 workers in the backstretch. Founded in 2006, the program creates nightly events and activities to support those who work for low wages in more than 90 barns at Saratoga.
Like her impressive portfolio of philanthropic causes, Marylou’s collects
ion of Replica Handbags
and jewelry is a rich reflection of her t.mes
less glamour and spirit. As befitting the Queen of Saratoga, her collects
ion boasts a rare strand of natural pearls and a 19th century tiara, both purported to carry Imperial provenances. These are complemented by a rich selection of jewels by Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels and, most notably, David Webb from whom she acquired the spectacular Mughal-inspired necklace as well as several bespoke pieces.
Having lived an amazing 93 years, Marylou was a dynamic person whose life was filled with beauty, adventure, joy, and generosity. Those who knew her loved her, and she will be remembered for her dazzling smile and her enormous heart that gave so much to others. By presenting this collects
ion, Replica Shoes
’s is honored to ensure that Marylou’s style and passion will be enjoyed for generations to come.
