Hall of Fame trainer King Leatherbury, who won 6,508 races over six decades, dies at 92

Legendary horse racing figure and Hall of Fame trainer King Leatherbury passed away at the age of 92 at his home in Maryland on Friday, ending a storied career that spanned over six decades and left an indelible mark on the sport of kings. Leatherbury, who ranked as one of the winningest trainers in the history of North American thoroughbred racing, died of natural causes, leaving behind a legacy characterized by a relentless drive for excellence and a remarkably durable presence on the Mid-Atlantic circuit. His passing marks the end of an era for the racing community, which had long revered him as a cornerstone of the industry. Over the course of his extensive career, which began in the late 1950s, Leatherbury accumulated a staggering 6,508 victories, placing him fifth on the all-time list of winning trainers at the time of his retirement. He was particularly dominant in Maryland, where he led the standings at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course for decades. His most famous achievement came late in his career with the popular gelding Ben’s Cat, a homebred star who won 32 races—including 26 stakes—and earned $2.6 million, capturing the hearts of racing fans across the country and proving Leatherbury's genius for conditioning late-blooming athletes. Leatherbury’s contributions to the sport were officially recognized in 2015 when he was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Known for his sharp wit and innovative approach to the claiming game, he was part of the "Big Four" of Maryland trainers who dominated the regional circuit during the 1970s and 80s. Throughout his life, he remained a steadfast advocate for the integrity of horse racing, maintaining a high standard of care for his equine athletes while navigating the evolving landscape of a professional sport he spent more than 60 years shaping.