Our Ambassador: Evening Attire!

Evening Attire has been retired here to beautiful Akindale Farm.  ATBR is lucky to have such an honored champion as its ambassador.Please check back as we will be maintaining a blog with updates on Attire and his ‘life of retirement’.

Evening Attire's One Year Anniversary at ATBR!
As the one year anniversary of Evening Attire's retirement to ATBR is upon us, we are thrilled to report that he has taken to his new life with zeal. Apparently, Evening wasn’t quite ready to hang up his running shoes the first few times he gave retirement a whirl but he has sure found his inner “lazy boy” at Akindale! within his first days on the farm, he discovered his BFF “Remington” and they never looked back. It’s hard for us to believe this is the same horse who earned $3MM running over 8 years … because he practically has to be coaxed to get up from his afternoon siesta to come inside for a meal. He has however, taken the award (beating HUNDREDS of horses at ATBR AND Akindale Farm) for the best disguise. He has an uncanny ability to transform himself from a much white, dapple gray to a dark bay with no signs of color anywhere. Evening can sniff out a mud puddle like none other and manages to roll on every square inch of his 17+ hands until he and his bay friend Remington are practically twins. Yes, he is indeed enjoying his retirement! 

Evening has had visitors from near and far and he sure does put on a show for them. He will put his nose right in your pocket in search of the almighty peppermint and God forbid you show up empty-handed … well let’s just say … don’t! He lets everyone know he is king of the hill and demands respect … in the form of treats. As for his “people”, he is great with everyone but he just loves Erin. Perhaps he’s smart enough to know that she runs the show and being teachers’ pet is the way to get what he wants, but he screams when he sees her car or hears her voice -- his adoration of her is palpable. We were warned when Evening first arrived that he wasn’t the warm and fuzzy type. Yet, in her final months of pregnancy, he would all but cuddle with Erin in his new stall, letting her curry, pick feat, pull his mane, anything she wanted. Sucker perhaps, but the feeling is definitely mutual and while Erin never plays favorites among her current herd of 140 equine friends … she rarely misses a day without spending time with Evening. Anyone who has witnessed the bond between Evening and Erin is understandably touched. 

Now, for the big HRTV interview. What could be better than visiting a famous race horse with a cult following at his new retirement home in picturesque Pawling, NY? The two film grads from California who came to conduct the interview were sure to see him galloping the rolling hills, bucking and playing with his now famous side kick Remington. Would we be able to catch him long enough to get a lead shank on him? Could the cameras keep up with is antics in the grassy fields? Oh, we sure hoped so or the interview could take all day. You know those horses who have been on the track their whole lives – they are a frisky bunch – we sure hoped he would stay still long enough to get one or two decent still shots. Well, Erin led Evening out of his stall when they arrived (smart enough to have him in for their arrival). After noticing they brought not so much as ONE peppermint or carrot for the King, he wanted nothing to do with them and took Erin out to his field to play with Remington. (He showed them)! That’s when it kind of went down hill. They propped their video cameras on tripods ready for the action that was sure to ensue and … nothing. It was a sunny day and Evening wanted no part of exercise … it was all about the sun bathing. At least he would roll – that’s what he does – every day – several times a day – NOTHING. He stood. We clucked, we ran along the fence line, we waved our arms … he stood. The only movement Evening made was to walk over to the fence and beg for treats which of course we gave him. The patient cameramen finally turned their attention to Erin for her interview. It was at exactly the moment they said “Action” with the camera on Erin that Evening plopped over on his side in the full morning sun, head out flat on the ground and all but snored. The rest of the day followed suit. Erin put him in the famous D’Accord’s paddock, hoping to instill some excitement for being separated from his buddy … nothing. She trotted him up and down the fence line on a lead … but it appeared she was working a lot harder to get him moving than he was. So … most of the day was edited out as boring footage of a horse not moving but he certainly made his point that life on the farm ‘aint so bad! 

As for Evening’s first ride since becoming an OTTB … also uneventful! After signing waivers and saying prayers, former professional hunter/jumper rider Kevin Cowser saddled up what was sure to be a rodeo ride. Erin (understandably a nervous wreck) led Evening to a round pen and gave Kevin a leg up. Kevin gave Evening the signal to walk on. Since Evening hadn’t been tacked up in a year and only really knew one speed, we expected some poor behavior … Evening walked on. He walked several times in both directions and then was asked to trot. Well, I’m not sure that’s a gait he readily practiced so he did what he knew and cantered. But he cantered, not galloped, no hell for leather, just cantered. WHAT A GOOD BOY! Erin will have herself a fine trail horse in Evening. At least she knows if he takes off he gives lots of notice. (Or all those years of walking out of the gate were just a cruel joke)! 

So, for everyone who came to visit Evening and everyone who is a fan, please know that after a year at Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue, Evening Attire has found his forever home. He has been a wonderful ambassador for ATBR and will continue to bring much needed awareness to this cause. He has been such an easy keeper, from behaving for the vet and the blacksmith to being the only horse that stands willingly, mouth open to have his teeth floated. And oh that appetite. There are many of us out there who would kill for his metabolism cus the boy can eat! Please keep sending your cards and coming to visit as he relishes being the star – even off the track. A special thanks to those that have made donations in EA’s name to help all the rescues at ATBR. Your support means so much!

A blog will be on this website to give you updates on Sir Evening and his life on the farm. 

News
The Aqueduct Handicap has been re-named the Evening Attire Handicap, in honor of the 2002 Aqueduct Handicap winner who retired in 2008 at the age of 10.  The race will be run on Saturday, January 17 on the inner dirt track.  The $65,000 added race is for three-year-olds and up at a mile and a sixteenth.

The 2009 Thoroughbred Racing Calendar includes Evening Attire this year.  He is featured in training as the January 2010. The calendar costs $16 + $5 s&h.  Mention Evening Attire when you order and a donation will be made to ATBR.  To order by phone: 1-800-777-RACE (7223) or order online at http://www.st-publishing.com/store. 

Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue is thrilled to announce that New York bred fan favorite, Evening Attire has been retired to their beautiful Pawling, New York farm.  The 10 year old grey gelding, son of Black Tie Affair, raced for the last 8 seasons, in 69 starts of which he hit the boards 40 times.  Nine of his 15 wins were in graded stakes, perhaps the most impressive being the Grade I Jockey Cup Gold Cup in 2002.  His life time earnings were just shy of $3MM. 

Evening Attire won his last race, the Greenwood Cup on July 19th, earning him automatic entry to this year's inaugural Breeder's Cup Marathon.  However after a minor ankle injury, trainer Pat Kelly announced his retirement.  Pat Kelly, breeder and owner Tom Kelly along with partners Mary & Joe Grant all agreed that the time was right to retire the 10year old warrior, known for his slow breaks and explosive finishes.  Evening Attire arrived in Pawling in November and has settled in nicely with lots of peppermints and his new best friend Remington.

Evening Attire Hats!  Visit HorseHats.com to order your Evening Attire hat!