Tributes are pouring in for John Hendrickson, who died unexpectedly Monday, at the age of 59.

Hendrickson was married to Saratoga Springs socialite Marylou Whitney and served as chairman of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame since August 2017.

Cat Masterson, the museum’s director, called Hendrickson a “visionary leader.”

“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,” she said in a statement.

Among the initiatives Hendrickson spearheaded during his time leading the organization was leading a $20 million capital campaign to develop a state-of-the-art Hall of Fame with an immersive film experience and renovating numerous galleries. Attendance at the museum and its finances improved under Hendrickson’s tenure.

Other initiatives included beautifying the grounds and adding iconic jockey statues. He also led the “Foal Patrol” project, which was a series of live cameras that gave people the chance to learn about the fowling process.  

He also served as a horse racing adviser to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo from 2012 through 2016.

Another part of Hendrickson’s legacy was he and Whitney’s creation of the Saratoga Backstretch Appreciation Program in 2008, which organizes events for backstretch workers and services such as English as a second language classes. A backstretch clinic opened in 2023.

Other organizations he supported were the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Hospital, and the National Museum of Dance.

NYRA President and CEO Dave O’Rourke issued a statement on Hendrickson’s death.

“John was a highly respected civic leader in the Saratoga community who played an important role as Board Chair of the National Museum of Racing, and as an instrumental member of the committee that orchestrated the 150^th anniversary of horse racing at Saratoga,” O’Rourke said in a statement John was a devoted philanthropist in support of the Saratoga backstretch community and, most recently, played a pivotal role in the construction of the Saratoga Backstretch Clinic. His contributions to horse racing and to Saratoga will long be remembered.”

Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford said Hendrickson helped make the city the “jewel” of the thoroughbred racing industry for the country. He also thanked him for the numerous contributions to the community such as the Native Dancer Pocket Park. In 2015, Hendrickson and Whitney commissioned a life-size bronze statue of racehorse Native Dancer to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the incorporation of the city.

“John Hendrickson, a respected member of the Saratoga Springs Community, will be remembered for his great philanthropy work, kindness to all Saratogians and, particularly, the fine work he did for the backstretch workers,” Safford said.

Hendrickson was the driving force behind new dorms for the workers, a new medical clinic and nightly meals and activities for those who care for the horses. After Whitney died, he auctioned of many of her belongings to help fund the new backstretch medical clinic.

“He was just as passionate about this population as Mary Lou was, and he showed it. He showed us how passionate he was by being present,” said Nancy Underwood, executive director of the Backstretch Employee Service Team.

Private services are being planned in Saratoga on Saturday. A public celebration of life is being planned at the National Museum of Racing likely next Friday.