Pimlico: Ben's Cat fires late to win Jim McKay Turf Sprint

BALTIMORE – The remarkable Ben’s Cat, trained and owned by the remarkable King Leatherbury, raced to his 21st victory in 31 lifetime starts on Friday at Pimlico with a late-running score in the $100,000 Jim McKay Turf Sprint.

Ben’s Cat ($4.20), fifth in the six-horse field during the early portion of the five-furlong grass race, came storming down the center of the track to outrun Spring to the Sky by one length, with Bridgetown another half-length back in third.

With Julian Pimentel aboard, Ben’s Cat completed five furlongs on firm turf in 56.18 seconds.

“How often does a horse like this come around?” Leatherbury asked rhetorically. “He’s a very intelligent horse. He knows what he’s supposed to do.”

Ben’s Cat, a 7-year-old gelding, has earned $1,462,290. He has won 13 of 19 on turf, and is 4 for 7 at Pimlico. He has won both his starts this year, and has won five of his last six races dating to last September.

Leatherbury, 81, has been a stalwart on the Maryland circuit for decades. He has won 6,383 races, placing him fifth all-time among trainers.

He said the McKay held special meaning because the late decorated broadcaster “was a personal friend of mine.”