It’s been a pretty big week for King Leatherbury. Late last week, Ben’s Cat — a horse he bred, owns, and trains — was named Maryland-bred Horse of the Year for an unprecedented fourth time. And on Monday, he learned that he had been selected to as one of 10 to advance to the final ballot for the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Four of those 10 will receive racing’s ultimate honor, a spot in the Hall of Fame. Herewith, a King Leatherbury-Ben’s Cat gallery of our favorite shots.
Ben’s Cat after the 2013 Jim McKay Turf Sprint. Photo by Laurie Asseo.
Ben’s Cat, one of the horses who had the most to do with Leatherbury’s Hall of Fame election. Photo by Laurie Asseo.
Ben’s Cat en glace.
Ben’s Cat wins the 2013 Laurel Dash. Photo by Jim McCue, Maryland Jockey Club.
Ben’s Cat and Mr. Online in the Laurel Dash. Photo by Laurie Asseo.
Ben’s Cat and Mr. Online in the 2013 Laurel Dash. Photo by Laurie Asseo.
King Leatherbury, center, speaks with the media at the Maryland Million draw.
Ben’s Cat has made a habit of visiting the winner’s circle in the mid-Atlantic. But he’s never been to Belmont before. Photo by Laurie Asseo.
Ben’s Cat. Photo by Laurie Asseo.
Ben’s Cat gets up late to win the Parx Dash. Photo By Barbara Weidl / EQUI-PHOTO
Ben’s Cat before the Turf.
Ben’s Cat and Mr. Online in the Laurel Dash. Photo by Laurie Asseo.
Ben’s Cat grabs the Turf Sprint lead. Laurie Asseo photo.
Turf or dirt makes little difference to Ben’s Cat, who was much the best today. Photo by Jim McCue, Maryland Jockey Club.
King Leatherbury and the star of the show, Ben’s Cat. Photo by Jim McCue, Maryland Jockey Club.
King Leatherbury and a horse who is not Ben’s Cat.
Ben’s Cat wins the 2013 Mister Diz. Photo by Jim McCue, Maryland Jockey Club.
Ben’s Cat returns. Photo by The Racing Biz.
A smiling King Leatherbury waits for Ben’s Cat to return after winning the Mister Diz on Saturday. Photo by The Racing Biz.
Ben’s Cat before the 2014 Jim McKay Turf Sprint. Photo by Laurie Asseo.
Ben’s Cat and Mr. Online in the Laurel Dash. Photo by Laurie Asseo.
Julian Pimentel aboard Ben’s Cat after the 2013 Fabulous Strike. Photo by B & D Photography.
The King holds court. Photo by The Racing Biz.
Ben’s Cat. Photo by Laurie Asseo.
So exciting! The honours couldn’t go to a nicer or more deserving man then King Leatherbury. A legend indeed. Congrats!!
King and Linda need to mark their calendar and book now for Saratoga! How exciting ! Congratulations. My entire family , filling in for my father , will be cheering at the induction. Finally!