Grade I Winner Evening Attire Retired

Evening Attire, who was on the board in 40 of his 69 starts, has been retired from racing according to Hall of Fame trainer Tom Kelly. Tom Kelly bred and owned Evening Attire with his partners Mary and Joe Grant. Attire was first trained by Tom’s son Tim Kelly and later by Pat Kelly. Evening Attire won 9 stakes races and placed in 12 more, earning almost 3 million dollars . His first graded win came in the Discovery beating Street Cry at odds of 65 to 1. At four he won the Jockey Club Gold Cup. In his last race, as a ten year old, he won the mile and half Greenwood Cup at Philadelphia Park setting a track record and earning him a place in the Breeders Cup Marathon.

Attire ran in the Breeders Cup Classic twice and has competed against most of the best horses in the country over the last eight years, including Street Cry, Balto Star, Lido Palace, Macho Uno, Medaglia d'Oro, Volponi, Perfect Drift and Funny Cide.

 Pat Kelly said “Last weekend at Monmouth we saw some swelling in his leg. During the week, after discussions with the vet and his owners, we decided, considering his age and all he has done, it was in everyone’s best interest to retire Evening Attire and find a good home for him.”

 Where Attire will retire has not been finalized.  All options and suggestions are being considered by his owners.

 Mary Grant said ”We feel so blessed to have a horse not only racing for eight years but competing in stakes company. Attire has brought our family so much excitement  and has given us the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people in the racing world. We are amazed at his popularity. For years he has received birthday cards from fans in this country as well as from New Zealand and Europe. One fan has even built a website dedicated to him, www.eveningattire.net. We just want to thank all his loyal fans for their great support.”