(Edited release from owners)

Evening Attire, a fan favorite because of his color, running style and tenacious longevity, has been retired, according to retired Hall of Fame trainer Tom “T.J.” Kelly, his co-owner. According to trainer Pat Kelly, a minor ankle injury has ended the racing career of the 10-year-old son of Black Tie Affair.

During his eight seasons of racing, Evening Attire finished first, second or third in 40 of his 69 starts. Of his 15 wins, nine were graded stakes, including his greatest conquest, the Grade I Jockey Club Gold Cup in 2002. Competing in the country’s greatest races for older horses, from the Whitney Handicap to the Breeders’ Cup Classic, he earned $2,977,130.

Along with partners Joe and Mary Grant, Tom Kelly bred and owned Evening Attire, who was born February 14, 1998.  Attire was trained by three of Tom’s sons, first by Larry, then Tim and later by Pat. Evening Attire’s first graded win came in the 2001 Discovery Handicap, when he defeated Street Cry at odds of 65-1. HIs last stakes win came in his final race, July 19, when he captured the 1 1/2-mile Greenwood Cup at Philadelphia Park. He not only defied his age, winning by 8 1/4 lengths, but also set a track record and earned a place in the Breeders’ Cup Marathon.

“Last weekend at Monmouth, we saw some swelling in his leg,” Pat Kelly said. “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.”

Tom Kelly said “Evening Attire was one of kind.  He rates up at the top of all the good horses I’ve trained, and that’s saying something.”

Joe Grant said: “We do this with a tear in our eye, but all good things come to an end and we want to do what is best for him.”

Mary Grant said  ”We feel so blessed to have a horse not only racing for eight years but competing in stakes company. Evening 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.”

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