I see it the same way... he's an old guy and does it his own way, so you have to factor in what . At 12F the break doesn't mean a hoot, for that matter.

I'll bet Racecar Rhapsody spots them 10 on Saturday at the first call. Should he not start?

so here's a horse who is competitive in stakes races as a 10 year old, and people still find a reason to be critical of him?

I like the horse, always have. Aside from that, as a bettor, I'm just curious where the line is drawn on situations like this. I also like that he takes a lot of wasted money when he runs...again as a bettor.

Exactly. I'm not sure what the issue is..

Congratulations to
Evening Attire and
his connections.
May you always be
happy, healthy, safe
and sound. Love You,
Handsome Boy!

I agree with Chestnut Gal.


I love you so much, big boy. ;)

He's interesting to watch....but I agree it's hard to swallow losing 3 to 5 lengths at the start as a bettor.

I have no clue why you would suggest that the steward could should or would stop a horse from earning.. Why in the world would not want to see him compete if sound and enjoying himself. I am sure when he stops being competitive he will have a nice paddock and all the best hay to eat..

I look at his gate habits like I do breakers in harness racing. Do they let them go on racing forever without showing they are over the issue?

It wouldn't be the first time a horse has been barred from racing to protect the gamblers, but I'm sure you know that already.

The horse is placing in stakes races the public is in no harm.

I don't see why the level the horse races at has anything to do with it.

I think you are missing the point.. The horse has been competitive and is sound.. How those two points don't undermind his races style and negiate any intervention is beyond my train of thought. If the horse was breaking last and finishing last then maybe something should be suggested. folks thoroughly enjoy watching this horse compete however the heck he does it. In a day and age when horses for whatever reason can't race this ole guy does to the delight of all his fans. Because he isn't in the mix until the last 2 furlongs of a race is on no business of stewards.
We know he is in caring hands and when his and the publics best interests aren't being served fairly he will be given the royal treatment.. To me its as good a story in racing as exists today. A 10 year old past champion doing what he does against quality calibur horses regularly under the supervision of good horse people without a greedy agenda. congrats to EA and his connections well done

wouldnt breaking poorly be an advantage in a race with an overly quick pace?

geezzzz..I hope he didn't race as a 2 year old..because it could shorten his career...

If you start banning Evening Attire types, do you ban horses that quit next? Horses that don't run when they draw rail, or outside? Horses that don't like getting hit on left, or right? Just some food for thought...

EA doesn't quit, he is merely slow starter. I can find value there, especially if he races against habitual quitters. EA hits the board and pays owners and horse players. IMO, quitters burn more money than horses that break tardily like Evening Attire.

get a grip! the horse is sound and still likes to run. he still hits the board (i did make a few $$ on him today).
we all sit here and complain because horses are retired and never see them beyond 3. this old guys is 10 and still paying his way and you want him banned because he is slow from the gate?
steve was right in stating that the sport should be promoting this old guy.

People complain:

They start too soon.
They retire too quickly.
They run too many years.
The filly shouldnt run with the boys.

and on, and on, and on.

It doesnt matter what any particular horse does, no matter how great he/she may be, or mediocre. Someones going to complain about something, every single time.

I think its a pleasure to continue to see Evening Attire be competetive.
I giggle every time he leaves the gate, because hes so predictable.
I love how he "pick's em up, and put's em down" in perfect order with the knowledge of how to take care of himself....a seasoned veteran.
I love that at even at age 10, he hasnt lost the desire to race, and to win, even though the wins are rare (which is also predicable).


I love EA, like most people do, and think we are fortunate to be able to watch his career continue after all these years.
Enjoy :)

Where do you draw the line of what the public needs protection from? So he breaks slow and doesn't always get there. But he did manage to win a graded race recently.

Shall we also protect bettors by barring high speed types who almost always quit at the 1/8 pole but occasionally manage to win?

One day we should all own a horse that races until he's 10, earns over 3 million bucks, and shows terrific courage every time he steps on the track!!