Whitney Honored as First Lady of the Oaks
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Marylou Whitney, whose accomplishments and generosity in Thoroughbred racing and philanthropy have garnered national acclaim and admiration, will be honored by Churchill Downs with the designation of "First Lady of the Oaks" during a celebration on Longines Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) day, May 1, at Churchill.
The selection of a "First Lady of the Oaks" has been part of the Kentucky Oaks tradition since 2009. The honoree is a special individual who has celebrated women's causes through professional and personal experiences. The "First Lady of the Oaks" serves as an ambassador of all that embodies the Kentucky Oaks experience from its focus on women's health issues; the equine excellence displayed on the track in the Oaks and other races on the day; and the glittering Oaks celebrations in locations throughout Churchill Downs and beyond.
Along with her energy and advocacy in raising millions of dollars for the research and treatment of cancer and other health concerns, Marylou Whitney has championed causes ranging from equine welfare to support for the arts and the quality of life for workers on the backsides of American racetracks. While her philanthropic efforts have created a remarkable legacy of care and compassion throughout her life, she has been a respected presence in Thoroughbred racing with a roster of notable victories headed by a triumph by her homebred Bird Town in the 2004 Kentucky Oaks and a victory by Birdstone in the 2004 renewal of the Belmont Stakes (gr. I), the final leg of racing's Triple Crown.
With the triumph by Bird Town, who was honored with the 2004 Eclipse Award for America's champion 3-year-old filly, Marylou Whitney became the only woman to own and breed a Kentucky Oaks winner.