My husband and I sat in our family room Monday night awaiting the broadcast on the TVG network of the Eclipse Awards.
Even though we were interested in seeing all the winners, our main interest was watching our "Queen of Saratoga" Marylou Whitney receive the distinguished Eclipse Award of Merit.
Marylou came to the forefront of the stage on the arm of her husband John Hendrickson. Looking exceptionally beautiful in a long gold satin coat that skimmed the floor and her fabulous emerald and diamond necklace and earrings, Marylou graciously accepted her award. In part, she said: "You have given me one of the greatest moments of my life."
She received two standing ovations.
Although Marylou has a long biography in the racing industry, this award was presented specifically because of her giving heart to the backstretch people.
"They are the unsung heroes of racing," she said.
She and her husband - with help from others in the industry and community - served the backstretch workers and their families seven days a week with nightly dinners, entertainment and games. This had never been done before Marylou and John opened their hearts to this exceptional and giving race season project that is expected to continue each year.
As Marylou was escorted off the stage, she once again received thunderous applause.
Seated at her table cheering her on were her close friends that included Ed and Maureen Lewi and horseowners Carol and Tracy Farmer, who have a summer place in Saratoga.
Another quick note of interest was seeing Tom Law, managing editor of the Thoroughbred Times and president of the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters Association, who introduced several of the candidates.
Tom, a native of Saratoga Springs, began his career as a sports writer for The Saratogian and has been a longtime friend.
It was a very memorable evening.

Prescott Brown's memory will live on thanks to Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson. Prescott passed away Jan. 1 in Ellis Hospital after battling lung cancer for more than a year.
I got to know Prescott through Marylou since he worked for her for more than 40 years. I can never remember a time that he was grouchy. His persistant smile always warmed your heart.
John and Marylou looked at Prescott as their friend in addition to their devoted employee. The couple visited Prescott in the hospital just prior to his death to let him know that they were naming their most promising race horse, the son of Marylou's famed Bird Town and Awesome Again, after him.
Tears flowed from Prescott's eyes. The couple's gesture meant alot to Prescott, who not only served Marylou as a dedicated steward, but was their friend and a huge fan of thoroughbred racing.
Goodbye Prescott. We'll see you in the Winner's Circle.

Here I am down here in Jupiter, Fla. with many Saratoga Springs friends nearby. We get together at least once a week and sometimes more often.
So, it only stood to reason we'd get together on New Year's Eve. Not everyone who is down here, but six us did.
We went to one of our favorite haunts, Nick's Tomato Pie. The name is intriguing because it sounds like a pizza parlor. Although they have pizza they specialize in great Italian dishes and the atmosphere is very Italian including garlic bulb hanging fixtures.
Fred and Dinda McNeary battled the elements and arrived just in time to join us. Retired Supreme Court Judge Loren Brown and his wife Veronica have been here for awhile. In fact, they drove up to Tallahassee to be with their daughter, son-in-law and three grandsons for the Christmas holidays, but came back in time to join in the fun.
My husband and I have been here since early December. We had Mary and artist Anthony (Tony) Alonso over for Christmas dinner. They are our good friends and live about 20 miles away.
So, although our children traveled to be with their immediate families during the holidays, we are still able to enjoy festivities with good friends.
In fact, we are all meeting Wednesday night for dinner. Norma Quinn, who also lives nearby, is usually the organizer.
She and her husband Frank spent New Year's Eve with their daughter, Annie, who was down here visiting.
I want to take this time to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. Here's a toast to 2011. Let it be one of the best years of our lives.