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

"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. 

Photo: NYRA/Bob Coglianese

Timely Writer wins the 1981 Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park

Owned by Peter and Francis Martin, Timely Writer began his career as a claimer at Monmouth Park and at year's end was named the 1981 Florida-bred Horse of the Year. In 1982, at age 3, he won the Florida Derby but missed the Triple Crown due to injury. For his career, Timely Writer won nine races from 15 starts, earning $605,491.