Brooklyn Steve: First of all Evening how are you feeling?
Evening Attire: I'm good thanks. The leg will be fine, just needs time to heal. I
am just very disappointed for the fans. I know they all wanted to see me keep running, and I wish I could.
BS: Believe me Evening, all the fans care about is that you are OK. You gave us 9 great years
of racing.
EA: Well that's good to hear. You know I am very luck that I have had two wonderful owners
in the Grants and Kellys that care so much about me, and never once asked me to do more than I could.
BS: Yes that is for sure. They always made sure you had enough time off in between races, and
instead of sending you back out now, you get a nice long deserving vacation.
EA: Yeah you know I still feel like I can run and win, but you know they say this is a young
horses game, and I ain't no spring horse!
BS: Well that may be the case, but lately you seem like you have been in career form.
EA: You can thank my great trainer Pat Kelly for that. He was smart enough to realize that I
needed the extra distance and as of late I have been running only in 12 furlong races. You know at my age, it takes me a while
to get going.
BS: Yes but then all of a sudden, you take off like a rocket. Tells us Evening, what is the secret
to your success?
EA: Well now that I am retired I don't mind sharing it with you. The morning of each race, Pat
gets my secret formula for me. And it always works. Its 1/2 gallon carrot juice mixed with a 1/2 gallon Geritol. Never fails.
BS: With that, lets go back to the beginning. Tell us how it all started.
EA: Well there were always high hopes for me since day one. You know my dad, Black Tie Affair
was a champion. And I would like to think I'm a gelding off the old block.
BS: And it didn't take long did it. You won in just your 2nd start.
EA: Yeah back then I was sprinting. That seems like so long ago. But then I started stretching
out, and before you know it, I was going the route.
BS: It wasn't soon after that, that you won your biggest race, the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup. What
a day.
EA: Yeah that was something else. My only win at at Belmont. I make em count huh.
BS: You sure did. And then you made it to the Breeders Cup Classic 2 years in a row.
EA: Yeah I remember that. I came in 4th at Arlington. Didn't do to well at Santa Anita. I
tell ya, its just so darn hot out there in California all year round! But no excuses.
BS: But you like the heat don't you? I mean your career record at the Spa is amazing? 10 of 12
lifetime in the money at the worlds toughest meet.
EA: Ah the Spa. that is my favorite track of all time. The summers in Saratoga. I have to admit
I liked showing of for the folks up there.
BS: And that is the sight of one of your biggest victories, beating Funny Cide in the BC Handicap.
EA: Yes what a day that was, you know that day was the largest crowd in Saratoga history, and
I was determined to win. I hated beating Cide, he was so popular, but once I had him beat, you know, I had to show off a bit
and draw off by 5 lengths.
BS: Its nice to know you have no ego Evening, although I have heard that you think you are the
King of the Kelly barn. I have to say though with your record, you have a right to brag.
EA: Well, you know, I try to keep my ego in check. I mean think of all the people that help me.
Trainers, assistant trainers, jockeys, hot walkers etc. There are so many people involved so I know its not all about me.
And again, Pat Kelly deserves a lot of the credit.
BS: Yes he is a great one huh.
EA: Yeah he sure is. I mean here is a guy who does not get enough credit. Not only does he get
me through 9 years of racing, but he gets a NY bred, Naughty New Yorker, to almost $1 million in career earnings. There has
only been about 20 horses or so who have done that. And if you knew what a stuck up, obnoxious horse Naughty Ne.....oh good
morning Naughty how are ya.
BS: Well I am glad to see you all get along.
EA: Yeah its all good, we are one big happy family here in the Kelly barn.
BS: I have only had the chance to meet 2 of your owners, Joe and Mary Grant once, but they seem
like wonderful people as well.
EA: Steve, they are the apple of the earth. They have taken such good care of me, always come
to visit, make sure I'm healthy, never force me to race. The sport needs more owners like them and the Kellys. You know I
am enjoying this Steve, but don't be afraid to ask the tough questions.
BS: Well OK Evening. Who do you think will be elected president?
EA: Ralph Nader?
BS: Really? Why?
EA: Because he is the dark horse candidate, and I always go with the longshot.
BS: Uh, yeah. Lets get back to business here. Do you know exactly how you hurt your leg?
EA: You know I am not even sure. I think it happened about a month ago. I was out with a few
colts one night, and there where a few mares that happened to be walking by, and I invited one in for some carrot juice and....
BS: Ah Evening this is for all ages. And beside what would you be doing with a filly in your
stall. Aren't you a gelding?
EA: Just because there is snow on the mountain, doesn't mean there ain't no fire burning in the
furnace.
BS: I'm not even sure what that means. Lets move on. Your last race was at Philly, you won by
over 8 lengths. Set the track record for 12 furlongs. Just amazing.
EA: yeah I was in top form that day. I am glad I got the road victory. I always wanted to win
one outside of NY. Well actually I did win the Clark at Churchill but they took it away from me. Oh when I tell you...
BS: OK lets not get you started. Evening do you have a preference where you spend your
retirement?
EA: Well you know I have fans all across the country. So I really don't care. But I have
spent most of my racing career here in NY. And even though I am a KY bred, I am a NYer at heart. I just want the fans to be
happy for me no matter where I stay. And rest assured, the Grants and Kellys will make sure no matter where it is, it will
be the best place for me.
BS: I also heard that NYRA is working on an Evening Attire day for you at Belmont!
EA: Gosh I'm almost embarrassed at that. But I would like one day for all the fans to come out
and have a chance to say goodbye to them.
BS: Well Evening I am sure I may have more questions for you later, but I'll let you get some
rest now. I want to thank you for your time. Before we go, I want to give you the stall, and have a final say to all your
fans
EA: What else can I say but thanks. Today, I consider myself, the luckiest horse alive.
I had a great, long career. I wouldn't change a thing. Thank you all.
