Edward Swyer and Hudson River Farms to be Honored at the Graypoint and The University at Albany Foundation Siro’s Cup
©Tod Marks
Edward Swyer and Hudson River Farms to be Honored at the Graypoint and The University at Albany Foundation Siro’s Cup to benefit the Center for Disability Services Foundation, Inc. Swyer, the owner of Hudson River Farms is being honored for his contributions to the horse racing industry, especially Steeplechasing and for his longstanding commitment and support of the mission of the Center for Disability Services.
Honorary Chairpersons are Christine and George R. Hearst III and Sally and Dan Nolan.
The 32nd Annual Graypoint and The University at Albany Foundation Siro’s Cup to benefit the Center for Disability Services Foundation, Inc. will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. The fundraising event, known as the Unofficial Kick Off of the Saratoga Racing Season, begins at 6:30 p.m. at Siro’s Restaurant, 168 Lincoln Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York. At 7:30 p.m. there will be a presentation to the evening’s honoree.
Hudson River Farms was founded in 1985 and has all-time racing earnings of $3,640,856 including total Steeplechase earnings of $3,099,491, 8th on the National Steeplechase Association owners all-time list. Hudson River Farms Race Records include 578 starts, 102 firsts, 84 seconds, and 93 thirds, winning 8 Grade 1’s. While racing at Saratoga they’ve had 59 starts, winning 20 races, including 3 Grade 1’s, the A.P. Smithwick (2019), and the Turf Writers Cup twice in (2000 and 2019), now the Jonathan Sheppard.
In 2019, Hudson River Farms received the Eclipse Award for Winston C (IRE) for Steeplechase Horse of the Year, with additional Eclipse Award nominations for Ninepins in 1999, Sovereign Duty in 2006 and L. Imperator in 2024. In 1999, Ninepins (GB) won 4 Grade 1 races including The American Grand National twice. Ninepins is the oldest horse to win a Grade 1 race in New York State at the age of 13. Hudson River Farms trainers include National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard who trained for Hudson River Farms from 1992-2022 training both steeplechase and flat horses. Additional trainers include Keri Brion who played a big role in training Winston C (FR) and Arch Kingsley, trainer of L’Imperator who won the inaugural Peggy Steinman Grade 1 stakes race at Aqueduct in 2024. Hudson River Farms jockeys include Arch Kingsley who rode Ninepins and Tom Garner who rode Winston C.
The event welcomes notables from the world of horse racing. Guests will dance to the music of Ten Most Wanted until 11:00 p.m. The evening will include an open bar, light fare from 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. created by Chef Noah Frese, an online silent auction, a photo booth and more. Siro’s Cup is held Rain or Shine and guests can purchase tickets online prior to the event at cfdsny.org or at the door that evening.
For over 80 years the Center for Disability Services has empowered people with disabilities to lead, healthy, happy and productive lives. With more than 80 locations throughout 15 counties, the Center annually provides programs, services and a continuum of care to over 10,000 individuals with 300 different diagnosis and their families. We look forward to another 80 years of helping people get better at life through innovation and excellence. We thank the racing community for the over three decades of support of the Siro’s Cup event that has made our life-changing mission possible.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available and welcomed and tickets are $150.00 per person. To become a sponsor or to purchase tickets please visit cfdsny.org, call Anne Schneider Costigan at (518) 944-2121 or email her atschneider@cfdsny.org. Tickets are available at the door the night of the event.