King Leatherbury: A Legendary Figure in Horse Racing
King Leatherbury, a legendary figure in the world of horse racing and acclaimed as the “King of the Claimers,” passed away on Tuesday at the age of 92 in his home, as revealed by the Maryland Jockey Club through his son, Taylor Leatherbury. His passing marks the end of an extraordinary era in horseracing, particularly in Maryland, where he was a dominant force for over sixty years without a disclosed cause of death.
Achievements and Honors
Recognized with honors in the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame in 2015, Leatherbury was the third trainer in the history of horse racing to achieve over 6,000 victories, finishing his illustrious career with a remarkable total of 6,508 wins and impressive purse earnings of nearly $65 million according to Equibase. Notably, he amassed 52 training titles throughout his career in Maryland, with an even split of 26 at both Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park, alongside four at Delaware Park.
The Big Four and Competitive Spirit
Taylor Leatherbury described his father as “one of a kind” and reflected on his fitting name, which epitomized his father’s legacy in the racing community. Together with other esteemed trainers like Bud Delp, Richard Dutrow Sr., and John Tammaro Jr., the quartet was famously known as the Big Four, significantly transforming thoroughbred training techniques during the 1960s and 70s, focusing on enhancing speed and stamina.
Reflecting on the competitive spirit of that period, Leatherbury once remarked that competing with the Big Four not only provided enjoyment but also sharpened their training skills. His accomplishments also included leading North American trainers in wins for consecutive years in the late 1970s and securing 300 or more victories each year from 1975 to 1978.
Notable Races and Early Career
Leatherbury made his mark on some of racing’s biggest stages, including a single entry in the Kentucky Derby with I Am the Game, who finished 13th in 1985, while also participating with other horses in the Preakness that same year.
Born and raised in Maryland, Leatherbury obtained his trainer’s license in 1958 and celebrated his first victory the following year—a pivotal moment that ignited his passion for the sport. His background in business administration from the University of Maryland helped him excel in the claiming aspect of racing, a strategy where owners purchase horses at predetermined prices, leading him to conduct much of his training analysis from home.
Legacy and Impact
During an interview, he reminisced about the earlier days where horse claiming was almost unheard of. His most outstanding horse, Ben’s Cat—which he bred, owned, and trained—achieved an impressive tally of 32 wins, including 26 stakes victories and earned more than $2.6 million from 2010 until its retirement in 2017. Ben’s Cat was laid to rest near the paddock at Laurel Park after passing away in 2017.
Leatherbury’s track record includes training Grade 1 winners such as Catatonic and Taking Risks, and he famously claimed Port Conway Lane three times, leading it to a remarkable 52 wins throughout its career until age 14. He is survived by his wife Linda, with whom he spent 62 years, and their twin sons, Taylor and Todd, leaving a legacy that will endure in the annals of horse racing history.
