Ben's Cat dies after colic surgery complications

The world of horse racing suffered a great loss with the news that Ben's Cat was euthanized today at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Kentucky due to complications following colic surgery of 12 days ago.  

A Maryland institution, the King Leatherbury gelding made it to the winner's circle 32 times in his 63-race career. Ben's Cat earned $2,643,782 during eight seasons on the race track. Four times named the Maryland Horse of the Year, The homebred son of Parker’s Storm Cat was eleven years old.

A beloved figure in Maryland, and throughout American racing, Ben’s Cat won an amazing six editions of the Mister Diz Stakes, as well as five runnings of the Jim McKay Turf Sprint Stakes, both in his home state.

Retired from racing only three weeks ago, the plan for Ben's Cat was a life of another discipline, like trail riding or jumping, or simply enjoying retirement, depending on what he most enjoyed.  

Horse Racing Nation joins the racing community in mourning the passing of a truly fantastic horse and warrior. Rest in peace, Ben's Cat.