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, Ben’s Cat makes it three consecutive Turf Sprint wins.

On a cloudy October afternoon in 2012 at Laurel Park, the crowd leaned forward, waiting for the familiar sight: a dark bay blur unfurling his trademark late run. And, right on cue, Ben’s Cat delivered.

With Julian Pimentel perched quietly aboard, the King Leatherbury homebred swung three wide off the turn in the Maryland Million Turf Sprint, then pounced in upper stretch. By the eighth pole he had forged clear, his long strides carrying him past stubborn pacesetter Boltin’ Out and away from his pursuers, while holding safe the late run of fellow millionaire Heros Reward.

The 6-year-old son of Parker’s Storm Cat had just captured his third consecutive Maryland Million Turf Sprint, stamping himself as one of the greats of the biggest day for Maryland’s horses. He crossed the line three-quarters of a length in front, stopping the clock in 1:01.64 for 5 ½ furlongs on firm turf.

It was another victory in a career that would eventually span 63 starts, yielding 32 wins, nine seconds, seven thirds, and $2.6 million in earnings. And for Maryland racing fans, it was never just the numbers. It was the way he did it: dropping back early, then unleashing a furious, irresistible kick that seemed to bend time and space.

“He goes down as something special,” trainer and breeder King Leatherbury would later say. “His name will be around for a long time.”

That proved true in more ways than one. Ben’s Cat’s exploits helped elevate Leatherbury, already a legend with more than 6,500 wins, to induction in the National Racing Hall of Fame. Fans across the Mid-Atlantic rallied to the dark gelding, packing paddocks and railbirds’ perches just to catch a glimpse. His gleaming coat, fiery eye, and the drama of his running style made him a cult hero.

Ironically, his dominance in the Turf Sprint may have cost him more trophies. After his three-peat, Maryland Million organizers stopped carding the race. For the next three years, Ben’s Cat had to settle for runner-up finishes—twice in the Turf, once in the Sprint.

By the time he retired, Ben’s Cat had etched himself into Maryland lore.

When he came thundering home that October day in 2012, notching his third straight Maryland Million Turf Sprint, the Laurel crowd roared. They knew what they were watching. Not just a racehorse, but a legacy in motion.