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.