Legendary Horse Trainer King Leatherbury Passes Away at Age 92
The horse racing world is mourning the loss of a true icon, as King Leatherbury, the Hall of Fame trainer renowned for his remarkable career spanning six decades, has died at the age of 92. According to the Maryland Jockey Club, which was informed by his son Taylor Leatherbury, he passed away at his home. No cause of death was provided, leaving the community to reflect on his immense contributions to the sport.
A Staggering Career of Over 6,500 Victories
Leatherbury, often called the 'King of the Claimers' for his exceptional ability to transform inexpensive horses into champions, amassed an incredible record of more than 6,500 wins. His career purse earnings totaled a staggering $64,693,537, as reported by Equibase, making him one of the most successful trainers in history. He retired in 2023 as the third trainer ever to achieve at least 6,000 victories, trailing only Dale Baird and Jack Van Berg.
His dominance was particularly felt in Maryland, where he secured 52 training titles—26 each at Pimlico and Laurel Park—along with four at Delaware Park. 'He's one of a kind,' his son Taylor Leatherbury told Laurel Park. 'There's never been a man more appropriately named than my father.' This sentiment echoes through the racing community, where his legacy is celebrated.
The Big Four and a Hall of Fame Induction
In the 1960s and 1970s, Leatherbury was part of the legendary 'Big Four' of Maryland racing, alongside fellow Hall of Famers Bud Delp, Richard Dutrow Sr., and John Tammaro Jr. This group revolutionized thoroughbred training, focusing on enhancing speed and stamina. 'I really enjoyed the days of the Big Four,' Leatherbury recalled in a 2013 interview with Laurel Park. 'It was fun trying to compete with them and it made us all better trainers.'
His achievements were formally recognized in 2015 when he was inducted into the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame as a first-ballot honoree. This accolade capped off a career that included leading North American trainers in wins in 1977 and 1978, and achieving 300 or more victories annually from 1975 to 1978.
From Humble Beginnings to Racing Royalty
A native of Maryland, Leatherbury obtained his trainer's license in 1958 and celebrated his first win the following year at Sunland Park, now known as Tampa Bay Downs. His entry into the sport was driven by passion, as he explained in 2013: 'I got started because my father had horses, a breeder and owner and I just enjoyed betting on them, really, so I decided to get in the game. I have never really considered this work. I enjoy it, which has probably made the difference.'
After earning a business administration degree from the University of Maryland, he mastered the claiming game—a strategy where owners purchase horses from specific races at set prices. He meticulously studied race charts and past performance statistics, often working from home while a dedicated staff executed his plans at the barn. 'Back in those days, the early '60s, no one claimed horses,' he told The Washington Post in 2005. 'Those were the days people started managing horses in a business-like way.'
Memorable Horses and Personal Life
Among his many successes, the standout horse of Leatherbury's career was Ben's Cat, whom he bred, owned, and trained to 32 wins—including 26 stakes races—and over $2.6 million in earnings from 2010 to 2017. Ben's Cat died in 2017 and is buried near the paddock at Laurel Park. Leatherbury also trained Grade 1 winners Catatonic and Taking Risks, and notably claimed Port Conway Lane three times, with that horse winning 52 of 242 starts from 1971 to 1983, racing until age 14.
In the Triple Crown arena, Leatherbury saddled one horse in the Kentucky Derby, with I Am the Game finishing 13th in 1985. That same horse placed fourth in the Preakness that year, one of his four starters in the second leg of the prestigious series.
King Leatherbury is survived by his wife of 62 years, Linda, and his twin sons, Taylor and Todd. His passing marks the end of an era in horse racing, but his influence and record-breaking achievements will continue to inspire generations to come.
