The 20th Annual Marini Builders Siro’s Cup to benefit the Center for Disability Services will recognize Dominguez and honor his “dedication, accomplishments and persistence in the face of challenges” starting at 7 p.m. on July 18. Dominguez holds the single season Saratoga Race Course record with 68 wins (2012).
“Ramon Dominguez, as everyone knows, is a three-time winner of the Eclipse Award (for Outstanding Jockey),” said Center for Disability Services spokesperson Anne Schneider Costigan. “We are just really thrilled and honored that he will be attending and he will be the recipient of this year’s award.”
As in years past, sports equine artist James Florentino has already painted the horse of Dominguez’s choice, which will be framed and unveiled during the ceremony. Each year, the Guest of Honor chooses a horse that is most special to him, or her. Until the night of the 18th, the identity of the horse in the painting will be kept a surprise. There will also be gi-clee copies available for sale that night.
The event, which is held on the eve of the opening day of the Saratoga Race Course and has been coined the “unofficial opening of the Saratoga Race Course,” is officially set to start at 6:30 p.m. at Siro’s Restaurant on 168 Lincoln Avenue in Saratoga Springs.
When a group of young entrepreneurs started the tradition of the Siro’s Cup Benefit 20 years ago, 200 people attended, raising about $13,000. Consistently growing every year, the benefit had over 1,000 attendees last year and raised over $150,000 for the Center for Disability Services.
“We noticed that on the eve of opening day there really wasn’t a lot of activity, so we decided to take a chance and start this event at Siro’s Restaurant,” said Costigan, who has been part of the tradition since the beginning.
This year’s event will also include other top jockeys, trainers and guests who will dance to music from the Electric City Horns until 11 p.m. under an open air tent. The last 10 Guests of Honors have also been asked to attend.
The honorary chairpersons are George R. Hearst III, Christine Hearst, Earl B. Feiden, Josephine Feiden, Barry Larner and Sara Lee Larner. Bob Marini and Monica Marini are the chairpersons of the Siro’s Cup Committee.
The benefit, held rain or shine, will also have a cocktail buffet and open bar. The event’s money goes to the Center for Disability Services Foundation, Inc., in support of Adult Services, Clover Patch Camp, CloverPatch Preschool, Langan School, Primary Care, Specialty Medical and Dental Services, Residential Services and St. Margaret’s Center.
The Center for Disability Services, “where people get better at life,” has been a resource for people of all ages who have disabilities or health related conditions for 71 years in the Capital Region.
Tickets are $125 per person by July 17 or $1,100 for a 10-pack. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome to purchase tickets at the door for $150. For reservations, call (518) 944-2125 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
“We would just really like to thank the racing community and all of the fans who have embraced the center for disabilities services for the past 20 years and have made this a signature event for our organization,” Costigan said.
