Maryland’s National News Makers
Ben’s Cat wins Vox Populi Award
T e late legendary racehore
Ben’s Cat was awarded the 2017 Vox Populi Award, presented at Santa Anita on January 20. Con- sidered “T e People’s Horse,” the 11-year-old was bred and raced by Maryland’s King Leatherbury to 32 wins, 26 stakes wins and more than $2.6 million in earnings from 63 starts. Ben’s Cat durability and winning ways made him very pop- ular throughout his career. Ben’s Cat, by Parker’s Storm Cat and out of Twofox by T irty Eight Paces, was retired to Kentucky in June. T e whole country mourned his death in July 2017 due to complications from colic surgery. T e late Penny Chenery, owner of Triple
horseman and sat on the WBTA board for over a decade, nearly a third of that time as presi- dent. He was largely responsible for the revital- ization of the Washington International Horse Show when he was vice president for WIHS. T e WBTA Grand Champion Pleasure trophy is awarded each year in his name.
Century Ride
King Leatherbury, trainer and owner of Ben’s Cat, receiv- ing the Vox Populi Award at Santa Anita.
Crown winner Secretariat, created the Vox Po- puli Award to “recognize the racehorse whose popularity and racing excellence best resounded with the public and gained recognition for the sport in the past year.” Vox Populi is Latin for “Voice of the People” and racing fans over- whelmingly chose Ben’s Cat in on-line voting over fellow candidates Arragate (all-time North American purse earned), Gun Runner (nomi- nated for Horse of the Year), Lady Eli (overcame laminitis to win even more stakes races), Patch (the one-eyed three-year-old) and Songbird (the recently retired two-time Eclipse Award win- ner). In fact, it was the largest amount of votes any winner has ever received! “T is is a very unexpected thing. I had never
even given it a thought. I wasn’t too much aware of the award, and then to be nominated was an honor,” Leatherbury said. “To win it is a really special honor. It’s a very unique award.” Ben’s Cat is the eighth Vox Populi winner, following
Zenyatta (2010), Rapid Redux (2011), Paynter (2012), Mucho Macho Man (2013), American Pharoah (2015) and California Chrome (2014, 2016). Ben’s Cat’s ashes were buried next to the
historic paddock at Laurel Park during a well- attended day celebrating his life and legacy on November 11. “I knew he was popular, but I didn’t realize it was all across the country to get that kind of recognition,” Leatherbury said. “Everybody misses him tremendously. He was an amazing thing.”
Saying Goodbye to WBTA
Kudos to Shannon Snyder of Woodbine who showed Fancy Dual Train to a third place fi nish in the Lim- ited Non Pro 2017 National Reining Horse Associa- tion World Standings. Shannon trains with Chapman Reining Horses in Woodbine.
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After over 75 years of hosting horse shows in Maryland, the Washington Bri- dle Trails Association board of directors has decided that the 2017 show season would be the organization’s last. T e board posted on the group’s website, “We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our exhibitors. Your loyalty to WBTA has been outstanding and deeply appreciated.” WBTA was founded in 1940 to encour- age an interest in horses and horseback riding, and top develop and improve Washington’s bridle trails. For many years, the or- ganization acted as spokesman for the horse lovers in Washington, and represented local horse interests and encouraged higher standards of care and treatment of area horses. Sponsoring an annual horse show series was only one part of the or- ganization. Historically, WBTA has hosted rated and unrated shows. Most recently, they held schooling shows at the historic Meadowbrook Stables in Chevy Chase. Many top riders have participated
in WBTA or served the organi- zation in some way. One notable member was retired Army Colo- nel Rene Studler. A World War I aviator, Colonel Studler was an avid
Katherine Intano of North East became the latest Marylander to enter the U.S. Dres- sage Federation’s Centennial Club. At 71 years young, Katherine competed the 31-year-old Décor’s Delight for a combined age of 102! “Dee Dee” is owned by Renee Dixon of Free- dom Hills T erapeutic Riding Program in Port Republic. “I have owned Dee Dee since she was born,” Renee said. “I evented her mom Missy, and did dressage through Second Level with Dee Dee.” T e pair also evented at Novice and Renee’s daughter Ellie showed halter and evented Dee Dee as well. Katherine has been riding dressage for many
years and boards her horse at Rolling Hills Ranch, where Freedom Hills is housed. She earned her registered instructor’s certifi cation
New Century Club members Katherine Intano and Decor’s Delight
with PATH in November of 2016, and substi- tute teaches at Freedom Hills. Katherine also runs their “Kids at Risk” program.
NAL Adds Low Junior/Amateur Jumper Option
To increase opportunities for competi-
tors across the country that ride in the North American League, the program has changed the parameters for one division for the 2018 season. Formerly known as the Low Junior/ Amateur-Owner Jumper division, horse shows may now off er either a Low Junior/Amateur- Owner or Low Junior/Amateur class. T e rankings will now be known as the NAL Low Junior/Amateur Jumper division. T e change will allow riders more opportuni-
continued ... FEBRUARY 2018 | THE EQUIERY | 31
Moliken
Annie Duncan Barbara K. Magrogan
908554-170217
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