Maryland Million Moments: Ben’s Cat Strikes Again * The Racing Biz

This week we will conduct a series of 10 Maryland Million Moments, indelible moments that helped define the meaning of Maryland’s Day at the Races. Here Ben’s Cat takes three consecutive Turf Sprint victories.

On an overcast October afternoon in 2012, the crowd in Laurel Park leaned forward, waiting for the familiar sight: a dark brown blur to unfold its signature late run. And right on cue, Ben’s Cat was delivered.

With Julian Pimentel sitting quietly aboard, the homebred King Leatherbury swung wide off the turn three times in the Maryland Million Turf Sprint before plunging into the top section. By eighth pole he had broken free, his long strides taking him past stubborn pacesetter Boltin’ Out and away from his pursuers as he kept fellow millionaire Heros Reward’s late run safe.

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

It was another win 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: falling back early and then unleashing a furious, irresistible kick that seemed to bend time and space.

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

That turned out to be true in more ways than one. Ben’s Cat’s exploits helped elevate Leatherbury, already a legend with more than 6,500 victories, to induction into the National Racing Hall of Fame. Fans across the Mid-Atlantic gathered in front of the dark gelding, packing pastures and railbird perches to catch a glimpse. His shiny coat, fiery eyes 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. The next three years Ben’s Cat had to settle for second place: twice in the Turf, once in the Sprint.

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

When he thundered home that day in October 2012, recording his third consecutive Maryland Million Turf Sprint, the Laurel crowd roared. They knew what they were looking at. Not just any racehorse, but a legacy in motion.