This week we will run a series of 10 Maryland Million Moments, indelible moments that have helped to define the meaning of Maryland’s Day at the Races. Here, old man La Reine’s Terms returns from a year layoff for one last victory in the Maryland Million Turf.

When La Reine’s Terms stepped onto the Laurel Park turf course on Oct. 15, 2005, few knew they were about to witness the final, triumphant chapter of a remarkable Maryland-bred’s career. The 10-year-old son of Private Terms had not raced in a year, not since finishing third in the 2004 Maryland Million Turf, but class and heart never fade.

Under jockey Jeremy Rose, La Reine’s Terms settled just off the pace, and made his move rounding the final turn. Three wide and driving, he surged to the front in mid-stretch and, fully extended, held firm to the wire, winning by three-quarters of a length over 2004 Turf winner Dr Detroit in 1:51.60 for 1 1/8 miles.

The win was a fitting encore. It marked his second Maryland Million Turf victory — the first came three years earlier in 2002 — and it capped a career defined by consistency and courage. Trained by Larry Murray for Sondra and Howard Bender, La Reine’s Terms retired with 16 wins, five seconds, and four thirds from 40 starts, earning $804,591. He was an 11-time stakes winner.

“He showed up every time,” Murray said with admiration. “That’s all you can hope for in a horse. You knew you’d take him over there and he’d give 100 percent.”

After a year away, La Reine’s Terms returned for one last race—and one last moment of glory. In true veteran fashion, he showed up when it mattered most.