(edited press release)
2007 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winning trainer Todd Pletcher will be honored by the Center for Disability Services at the 14th annual RJ Valente Siro’s Cup at Siro’s Restaurant in Saratoga Springs on the eve of opening day at Saratoga Race Course.
Pletcher is being honored for his contribution to the horse racing industry and for his success with the filly Rags To Riches. Past recipients of the honor include Jerry Bailey in 2006, Nick Zito in 2005, and Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson in 2004.
“I am honored to be recognized by the Center and to be able to participate in such an important and meaningful event,” said Pletcher. “The services the center provides do so much to enrich the lives of those less fortunate than us.”
Pletcher has become the most dominant trainer in Thoroughbred racing, garnering three consecutive Eclipse Awards for Outstanding trainer of the Year, while topping the leader-board in purse earnings in 2004, 2005, and 2006. In 2006 he broke the North American Record for most stakes wins in a year. That year his horses won a total of 100 stakes wins, including 53 graded events and a career best 17 grade l wins. His win with the filly Rags To Riches in this year’s Belmont Stakes made history as the daughter of A.P. Indy was the first filly in 102 years to win the coveted third leg of the Triple Crown.
The Siro’s Cup to benefit the Center for Disability Services will take place on Tuesday, July 24, at 6:30 p.m. at Siro’s Restaurant. Advance tickets are $125 per person, or $150 per person at the door. For reservations, call 518-944-2120 or contact solini@cfdsny.org.