Greentree Stable Historical Photos Exhibit: September 2-28, 2025
The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism will host the Greentree Stable Historical
Photos Exhibit at the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame.
In 2021, the Hall of Fame acquired numerous photographs of Greentree Stable horses from the
1940s, the 1950s and the 1960s. Included in the collection are photos of Tom Fool, Devil Diver and
Capot along with other Aiken trained horses. These photographs will be on display for the first time
at the Hall of Fame August 2 - 28, 2025.
Greentree Stud and Stable (1910s-1994) was one of the most successful family thoroughbred racing
and breeding stables in the United States. The original farm, Greentree Stables, was founded during
the 1910s by Helen Hay Whitney, noted author and leader in the thoroughbred community, and her
husband Payne Whitney, a prominent New York City financier. The establishment of the stable in
Red Bank, New Jersey, continued the Whitney family tradition of thoroughbred horse racing and
breeding begun by Payne Whitney’s father, William C. Whitney, a founding member of the Jockey
Club. At its height, the family’s thoroughbred interests--collectively known as Greentree Stud and
Stable--included horse training and breeding facilities in Red Bank, New Jersey (Greentree Stables);
Lexington, Kentucky (Greentree Stud, a breeding center, and Mare’s Nest Farm); Ocala, Florida
Ocala Farm); and Aiken, South Carolina (Greentree Stable, a training center).
The racing operations were primarily run by Helen Hay Whitney, while Payne Whitney focused on
the breeding business. After her husband’s death in 1927, Helen Hay Whitney managed all the
operations until 1942. Her success in the field led to her being dubbed the “First Lady of Thoroughbred Racing.” Citing the wartime economy as a precipitant, Helen Hay Whitney’s children, John Hay Whitney and Joan Whitney Payson, partnered with their mother until her death in 1944. John Hay Whitney and Joan Whitney Payson ran the operation until their deaths in 1982 and 1975 respectively.
Betsey Cushing Whitney, wife of John Hay Whitney, ran Greentree until she retired from racing and
breeding in 1994, permanently retiring Greentree’s racing colors (salmon pink and black striped
sleeves with a black cap) at the same time.
This exhibit will be on display during regular operating hours.
Tuesday - Friday 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. and Sunday 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
There is no cost to view the exhibit.
For more information, call 803-643-2121 or e-mail [email protected]. Stay up to
date by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@aikenparksrec) or by downloading the Aiken Explorer app.
The City of Aiken Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism invites people of all ability levels to enjoy programs, parks, and facilities. Individuals needing special assistance to participate should notify PRT Administrative Office 48 hours in advance.
Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum
"Home of Aiken's Racing Champions"
Information: 803-642-7631
Hours of Operation
Tuesday - Friday 2 pm - 5 pm
Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday 2 pm - 5 pm
Free admission
