The New York Racing Association announced Aug. 24 that the remains of Hall of Fame filly Ruffian have been transported from Belmont Park to the grounds of Claiborne Farm in Paris, Ky., where the 1970s

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"Claiborne is one of the most beautiful and revered Thoroughbred farms in America and the home of some of the greatest horses in racing history, and the ideal place for Ruffian." 

Ruffian was dominant from the beginning, winning her first start as a 2-year-old by 15 lengths and equaling the Belmont track record for 5 1/2 furlongs. She led the field at every post in every race she ever ran and set records in each of her eight winning stakes races. Named a champion at 2 in 1974 and again as a 3-year-old in 1975, Ruffian died in July 1975 from injuries sustained in a race at Belmont Park, where she was buried that month. In 1976, she was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

"We are honored that Ruffian will be returning home," said Walker Hancock, president of Claiborne Farm. "She is known throughout racing as one of the greatest fillies of all time and it's only fitting that she returns to her birthplace and will lie alongside other great mares such as Personal Ensign, Inside Information, and Moccasin, among others, in our Marchmont Cemetery."

In the 48 years since her death, Ruffian's legend has flourished. BloodHorse ranked her 35th in its list of the top 100 U.S. Thoroughbred champions of the 20th Century. She is the highest-rated filly or mare on the list. 

Since 1976, NYRA has hosted the Ruffian Handicap (G2) for fillies and mares, 4-year-olds-and-up, at one mile on the dirt. Just outside Belmont Park, the Cornell Ruffian Equine Hospital provides medical services ranging from acute care for race-related injuries to preventative and primary care. At Aqueduct, a massive mural of Ruffian and her regular jockey, Jacinto Vasquez, greets visitors at the clubhouse entrance.

NYRA has also relocated the plaque from Ruffian's gravesite at Belmont Park to Claiborne Farm. 

In addition, the remains of Timely Writer, winner of the 1981 Hopeful (G1) and Champagne (G1) stakes, will be transferred from the infield area at the top of the stretch at Belmont Park to Old Friends Farm in Georgetown, Ky. 

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