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Evening Attire (left), 13, and Tacticianor, 7, cut through fresh snow at Akindale Farm, in Pawling, New York, in January 2011.
As Saratoga prepares for mid-90 temperatures, racing fans countrywide try to beat the heat. For fun, enjoy some cool photos of the beloved fan favorite Evening Attire and his half-brother Tacticianor ambling through knee-deep snow at Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue this past winter. Special thanks to the great folk at Akindale, including Erin Pfister, Karin Millard and Stephanie Cowser, for helping out!
Above: Evening Attire (1998, Black Tie Affair - Concolour, by Our Native), age 4, at trainer Pat Kelly's barn at Saratoga in 2002. That autumn, he won the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup. Owned by Joe Grant (Grant Racing Stable) and Thomas J. Kelly, the rangy grey gelding won stakes races from age 3 through 10.
His caring owners secured his future by sending him to Akindale, where he is now a happy pensioner.
Above left: Tacticianor (2004, by Tactical Cat) as a chestnut-coated colt, with his beautiful dam Concolour. Above right: Tacticianor wasn't much of a racehorse, earning ~$16,000 in 44 starts. He's shown soon after being rescued from an Ohio auction house for $75. When Tacticianor's former owner, and breeder, Joe Grant, learned of the horse's condition, he stepped in to help with costs. Eventually, Tacticianor was shipped to Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue to live in comfort with his famous brother. Thank you to Ms. Mandae Lewis, of Lewis Farm and Rescue, for the photo at right. Story: www.drf.com/news/half-brother-evening-attire-rescued
Above: Karin Millard leads Tacticianor to the paddock, as Erin Pfister and Evening Attire follow. It's hard to even remember how cold that day felt...but it was, well, very cold!
Above: Evening Attire can be, for lack of a better term, a pest. Here, he plays sweet with his half-brother before deciding they should move out. Below: Evening Attire (halter) and Tacticianor pose for family photos.
Above: Evening Attire, ready for mischief, cuts a path through the freshly fallen snow.
Above and below: A new buddy soon joins the duo in the paddock. Called Remington, the handsome dark bay Thoroughbred doesn't mind standing up to Evening Attire.
Above: Note a common theme in these four photos. Evening Attire, time and time again, just can't resist pestering his pasture mates.
Above: Evening Attire surveys the view at Akindale Farm.
Above: Evening Attire, his head completely submerged, playing snow angel. Below, he does a sea monster imitation.
Above: Evening Attire, quite pleased with himself after his cold roll.
Steppin' out: At Akindale, Tacticianor can easily keep pace with Evening Attire.
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Thank you, thank you, thank you for the beautiful pics of one of my all time favorites! I was lucky enough to see Evening Attire run at the Spa several times, and man I am so happy to see him enjoying life at Akindale. He still looks gorgeous...
Romp on buddy, romp on.
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PLEASE, never stop with your pictures or comments. One person's opinion doesn't speak for everyone. How else will the public get their information if not for blogs like yours. Yours is the kind of places where horses ARE helped, through spreading their stories.
On a better note, your photos are simply breath-taking. I love these of the brothers, together, and Remington with them. They show such joy!
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Hi Barbara,
Oh, what gorgeous pictures of Evening Attire, Tacticianor and Remington having oodles of fun in the snow. I'm so happy to read of Tac's rescue. My God, his condition was so horrible, he looked like he was near death. He looks older than ET.
I had visited Evening Attire at Akindale in July of 2009. He had been rolling in a mud puddle and sassy with his paddock mates that day also. He is just a big, beautiful clown. He was in no mood that day for his favorite type of apples, or peppermints. I loved him on the race track and love him in retirement, he is just a super personality. Akindale is a wonderful, wonderful place. I'm so happy the brothers are there together and enjoying life, playing, squealing, rolling around and teasing each other! Tell me, is D'Accord still alive? I visited him while there, he was a lovely old campaigner and son of Secretariat.
Please keep these stories coming about our thoroughbred retirees and others who need a forever home. John Hettinger created a safe haven in Akindale for our four legged friends. There is no doubt in mind that he is in heaven.
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What a treat while most of the US is sweltering. I just love seeing how sassy and happy Evening Attire is. I was so lucky to see him race Belmont weekend in 2008. I started hearing about him at the track and was thrilled to see the love the NY crowd lavished on their beloved "ol geezer" who had so much personality while racing. I see he is still quite the "personality". Love it..... thank you Barbara.
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Barbara
I think I just went to Horse Heaven :) These beautuful PGH romping in a field of white snow.. You know how to bring something special to the eye, and once again you do not dissapoint.
Sigh.... to have such a talent. I am so HAPPY that DRF brought you on board, as you bring a unique and magical perspective that is not handicapping or wagering related.
Thank you.
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Hi again Barbara,
I think alot of people jumped to conclusions on the whole matter. Don't let it discourage you from writing about what you want to.
If you ever come out with a set of Christmas cards, the last picture of the two greys in the deep snow needs to be one of them. I'd love to hear how you get such nice contrast in the snow shots as well, as I have had many snow pictures turn out kind of washy.
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Beautiful photos! You've captures the spirit and beauty of these horses and on a day when as had a heat index of 112 in Virginia it sure was great to see horses enjoying the snow!
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Dear Barbara,
I absolutely love your blog (and adore your photos.) The grays are gorgeous!
Let me say this, though; while you did not use the word "rescue," the language that you used in the paragraph about Line of Thunder along with the fact that she was going to Aikindale Thoroughbred Rescue led people to believe that she was in need of rescue. The fact is that she was well cared-for and happy where she was. I personally fed that mare and gave her supplements many a day. To me, it sounds like there was quite a bit of miscommunication between all parties involved in this operation. What would have helped would be for Aikindale to step up and say that the horse was not in need of "rescue" as we traditionally think of the word, but that they were giving her a home in a locale where she could be easily visited by fans, as they did with several other notable horses.
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Barbara,
Those were awesome pictures. It's summer in Miami and we wish there was a way to import that snow down here about now! Evening Attire looks great. T J Kelly just went up to Saratoga this past Tuesday, I hope he drives down to see him and feed some apples and sugar. Have a great meet @ Saratoga, and take lots of pics.
Dan (1 of T J's sons) and wife Gisela Kelly, Miami Springs, Fl.
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Keep the faith Barbara, your blog is one of the things I make time for! It isn't easy working under a dead line or time frame. You do all the research you can in the time you're given. I know this first hand. Can't wait for your next blog!
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Absolutly beautiful photos, although the one of Tac before being rescued brought huge tears.
So glad the two are together, safe and happy. Thank you to all those who made it happen and continue to care for them. God Bless.
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Dear Barbara Livingston:
You have done it again. I was waiting for your next blob. Have been checking in every day. These are beautiful photos, as usual and a sweet, happy ending story. Thank you. Judy and Russ Berube.
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Spectacular photographs once again. I would love to have these guys framed on my wall... especially on a hot day like today... better than a dip in the pool!
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Stunning photos! Line of Thunder looks JUST like my mare: Tricky Monarch - wonder if they have shared lines - ??
So sad what happened to Tacticianor, I've been to that OH auction and have seen those that are carelessly disposed of there.... He looks healthy and happy thanks to Akindale!!
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Stunning photos! Line of Thunder looks JUST like my mare: Tricky Monarch - wonder if they have shared lines - ??
So sad what happened to Tacticianor, I've been to that OH auction and have seen those that are carelessly disposed of there.... He looks healthy and happy thanks to Akindale!!
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What wonderful photos!
Not too many years ago, we would see Evening Attire during his morning workouts at Saratoga. He came out pretty much the same time every morning.
I was a HUGE fan of his. (still am) I am so glad to see him looking like a million bucks and enjoying life.
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Are copies of any of these available for purchase?
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Thank you Barbara! What a wondeful photos of a winter day in the life of Evening Attire, Tac, and Remington at Akindale Farm. Especially nice to scroll through these on this sweltering summer day. I love these boys!
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Thank you once again Barbara, for capturing our boys beautifully. Your pictures are breathtaking and you made the day a ton of fun! Hard to imagine how miserably cold we were ... now that it's 100 degrees.
We are forever grateful for these amazing shots. Many thanks.
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Barbara, I have been an admirer of your photography for many years. I have most of your books and am always on the lookout for glimpses of your fantastic work.
I found this link on Zenyatta's web site and am so glad I followed the recommendation.
These pictures are absolutely astounding. What a gift you have, and what a gift has been given to
EA and Tacticianor by Akindale and the people who were instrumental in getting the horses to this safe haven.
Thanks for all you do.
Mary
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While a good portion of the country is sweltering, what a treat to see these two handsome boys playing in the snow.
Great photos and thanks for the update. Saw the link on the Zenyatta website.
Thank you all for the background story.
They look happy now and are safe and loved.
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Hi Barbara,
It was so hot at work, and everybody sweating. And then to see these "very cool" photos and know that these well loved horses are happy and healthy.
Well, it just makes ones day.
thank you, too much:)
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Hi Barbara, just lovely, as always. Made me wish it was a video! Surely would be a YouTube sensation & make people laugh so hard it brought tears! Can only imagine it was hard to keep the camera still chuckling at their antics. Everyone should see horses play & having fun, showing off. Pure joy!
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Christmas card photos! Do I hear "fundraiser"?
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Absolutely wonderful photos celebrating these magnificent oldies in the manner they deserve.
It is disappointing, however, that the facts were not obtained on Line Of Thunder. The following statement is unfortunate because (a) she never needed to be "rescued," and (b) it incites knee-jerk responses from caring people like Sherwin, Lakeway, and Lin, etc.:
"Yet, although nine of her foals earned $100,000 or more, Line of Thunder found herself in need of a forever home."
Sometimes not obtaining all of the facts can distract from the important dialogue of saving our wonderful Thoroughbreds in later life.
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Line of Thunder was not in need of being "rescued" but just needed a new home to live out her remaining days the same as many brood mares do when their breeding careers come to an end. She was being well cared for in KY before she went to Akindale. Her owner loved her and cared for her very much and as I stated before she was the one that kept her from being sent to Japan years ago simply because she loved the mare. At Akindale she will be forever loved!
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Another great blog, Barbara: thank you! I know Evening Attire's connections had several options when it came time to retire him, and they certainly made the right choice in sending him to Akindale. I absolutely love the snow angel/sea monster photos. It's sad that both Tacticianor and Line of Thunder had to be rescued, but at least this story has a happy ending and they are now home where they belong. And right about now, that snow does look inviting, doesn't it? Thanks again...
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Hi! I usually don't comment on websites, however as I was a fan of Evening Attire in his heyday I felt compelled to thank you for the wonderful photos. It's good to know that he's enjoying himself and has such a great pal in his half-brother. The photo of Tacticianor just after his rescue is shameful. No creature should have to endure neglect like that. Kudos to Joe Grant for stepping in and doing the right thing.
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Thanks so much for sharing those wonderful pictures. It breaks my heart to know that, at times, these beautiful creatures are not cared for properly. It is wonderful to know that there are owners who are very concerned about the welfare of their horses once their racing days are over. Again, the pictures are wonderful, and I am already dreaming of the colder weather! It is apparent that Evening Attire is just full of himself. Tacticianor is beautiful, and it is a wonderful site to see him with his brother. Line of Thunder is also a beauty.
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As Montreal shares with Saratoga in preparation for 90+ degree heat (they say that it's a "heat dome" effect!!!) there is nothing better than looking at white thoroughbreds in the snow! It always amazes me, Barbara, how you get photos like this....where white-on-white actually emerges so distinctly! Evening Attire and Tacticianor look so beautiful together and I love/love/love the way their different personalities emerge in these shots. I also think that it's GREAT to publicize the efforts of those people concerned with the risks to older and not particularly successful horses by showcasing them here, together with your magnificent photography. Be well my "virtual" friend and STAY COOL!!!!
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What gorgeous pictures as always. Evening Attire has always been one of my favorites...must be our New York connection. I can't believe how horrible Tacticianor looked when they rescued him and how magnificent he looks now. Seeing both Evening Attire and Tacticianor running together in the snow is poetry in motion. Even though I hate the Winter some snow would feel good right now. Thank you for sharing these wonderful pictures of these majestic animals. You certainly do have the knack with your "special eyes" and photo talent to bring out the best of horse photos.
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I love the shot of the two brothers surrounded by their snow trails. They're all such beautiful pictures of them, but I only ever want to see that snow in photos.
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These photographs are positively breathtaking.
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Thank you, Barbara, for allowing us to see how great our champion Evening Attire is doing through your lens, with your special eye for capturing just the right moment. The snow photos of Evening Attire and Tacticionar are some of the best that I think I've ever, ever seen - they are just so moving. And I don't like snow!! Lol! How beautiful that Tacticianor was able to be rescued to Akindale and now shares a life with his more famous half-brother. He does seem to tolerate big brother's antics very well and it is just wonderful to see them together, safe. Far too often when are racing favorites are retired, we never get to have updates on how they are enjoying their new life so this is such a special treat, I send you my most sincere thanks!
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Barbara, As a loyal reader of DRF.com, I think your contributions are inspiring. You show how majestic the thoroughbred really is. Also, thanks for the winter photos........slightly taking my mind off the sweltering heat for a minute!
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OK, I don't know if it's because it is going to hover around 100 degrees today or not, but this is the "coolest" blog entry yet! Magical!
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Barbara - I just love these photos. Evening was one of my all time favorites, as was his father, Black Tie Affair. And his brother is beautiful as well. Can copies of these photos be purchased?
Thank you for sharing these!!
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I have pictures of Evening Attire when he had his brief stay at Mill Creek Farm. Of coarse he looked nothing like he does now. Your pictures are amazing of him in the snow. I am in awe of his color! Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you, Barbara! These are absolutely beautiful! Evening Attire was one of my favorites. I am a huge fan of Old Friends but was not aware of Akindale. I will investigate further. Your photos are so great for raising awareness of the posibilities.
Thanks again,
Sheri
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Ms Barb ..
Thanks once again for words an photos .. EA is a special "Race Horse" .. appreciate the smiles these photo bring ..!!!!
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*Most Excellent*
roll down the windows!
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You have outdone yourself Ms. Livingston! I must say these are some of the greatest pictures I have seen of anything in my lifetime and I always enjoy your work.
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Thank you for this majestic post. I have seen many grey horses turn to a near white with age but I never have seen with a chestnut before this post. How common is this phenomenon?
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Barbara,
Thank you for the most beautiful pictures ever! They are all truly stunning and Akindale does such a fantastic job with them and most of all, they are loved! Line of Thunder looks so young and is just spectacular. Your pictures always capture "who they are" I literally know of brood mares that are in need of homes every single day. It is an all too common problem for these older mares.
Her previous owner never made any money from her at all and she was the one that fought for her not shipped to Japan years ago. Line of Thunder is of course famous but all brood mares when they are done breeding deserve the same retirment for the services that they have provided to the breeding and racing industry. Line of Thunder is a lucky girl but for all the ones that have been lost, they are forever in my heart!
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Love love love all these pictures of one of my old favorites, Evening Attire! What a fun loving, mischevious guy he is! Thank you so much for keeping us up to date on just how HAPPY he is!
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Beautiful!!
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I don't even know what to say - or rather I shouldn't say - to the fact that Line of Thunder, the dam of Thunder Gulch, was left in a situation like that, and had to be relocated from Kentucky to New York to live out her days.
On the other hand, kudos to Akindale, the fans who helped her, and to Barbara for telling her story.
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That a dam of a Derby winner ended up in a rescue situation is infuriating, to put it mildly. That aside, what is cooler than pictures of near-white horses playing in the snow? I say nothing. Thanks for the great shots.
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Thanks Barbara - as always great pictures and narrative - almost feel like I was there...
I learned about Aikendale when Hotstuf was so very lucky to make his way there. The pictures of him and his pasture mate Greeley were so awesome. Was very sad to learn that Greeley was so sick and they're no longer together, but glad to hear that Greeley is doing better.
Also went back and learned about Tacticionar, and again, how lucky he is to be alive and well at Aikendale.
Read about Line of Thunder on another site and was first floored, then irate, about her circumstances. She deserved so much better from her connections. On the other site it was mentioned that she was to have a vet appointment yesterday, so waiting for that news. It sounds like, naturally, that she's very depressed. I'm sure she's so missing her previous connections (people and horses of 15 or so years) and unsure of what's happening to her... Know, however, that Aikendale will do everything possible to help this wonderful mare.
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This is great that that these beautiful animals that give their all for the joy of someone else are taken care of. The pictures are great by the way, they look like they are well taken care of and happy, just as they should be. I am also a long time racing fan and a animal lover also. the ferdinand outcome was very disturbing to me and it still bothers me to this day. I know this will never happen but if it was up to me, I would make all owners be responsible for the after care of these animals after their racing days are over, no excuses, no exceptions. I would also find them criminally responsible for their actions and make a mandatory inspection on them once a month to see that they are actually getting the PROPER and HUMANE care that they deserve, if the owners do not agree than they should not be in the business. I guess I am old school but as for me I still have a heart, unfortunately, not all people feel this way or at least the bad apples in the bunch, as they are everywhere in all walks of life. I really enjoyed these photos and thank you, and the retired racehorses thank you also!
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Great photos as always, you're magic with a camera! I remember them both, It's sad that after doing the best they can for their owners, they are let down in such a horrible fashion. After they were done using Ferdinand, he was shipped off to the meat packers by the Japanese. Probably turned into sushi. The same fate would have met Black Tie Affair if it hadn't been for a fast thinking group of people. He went to a rescue called Old Friends. I'm sure most owners don't think that will happen to a horses they own but it often does. We bring them into this world, ask them to perform like the champions they are for us and they do! In return for this willing effort on their part they deserve a comfortable, safe retirement from their people. As owners, we have to make sure they don't slip through the cracks. Keep the spot light on rescues, it can't be easy to do their job. They are very needed.
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