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 before the 2014 Jim McKay Turf Sprint. Photo by Laurie Asseo.
Ben’s Cat and Mr. Online in the 2013 Laurel Dash. Photo by Laurie Asseo.
King Leatherbury and a horse who is not Ben’s Cat.
Ben’s Cat grabs the Turf Sprint lead. Laurie Asseo photo.
Ben’s Cat wins the 2013 Mister Diz. Photo by Jim McCue, Maryland Jockey Club.
Ben’s Cat. Photo by Laurie Asseo.
The King holds court. Photo by The Racing Biz.
Ben’s Cat returns. Photo by The Racing Biz.
King Leatherbury, center, speaks with the media at the Maryland Million draw.
Ben’s Cat en glace.
King Leatherbury and the star of the show, Ben’s Cat. Photo by Jim McCue, Maryland Jockey Club.
Ben’s Cat. Photo by Laurie Asseo.
Ben’s Cat before the Turf.
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 gets up late to win the Parx Dash. Photo By Barbara Weidl / EQUI-PHOTO
Ben’s Cat and Mr. Online in the Laurel Dash. Photo by Laurie Asseo.
Ben’s Cat and Mr. Online in the Laurel Dash. Photo by Laurie Asseo.
Ben’s Cat and Mr. Online in the Laurel Dash. Photo by Laurie Asseo.
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 wins the 2013 Laurel Dash. Photo by Jim McCue, Maryland Jockey Club.
Julian Pimentel aboard Ben’s Cat after the 2013 Fabulous Strike. Photo by B & D Photography.
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 after the 2013 Jim McKay Turf Sprint. Photo by Laurie Asseo.
Turf or dirt makes little difference to Ben’s Cat, who was much the best today. Photo by Jim McCue, Maryland Jockey Club.
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!