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
months, and this is a wonderful outcome that will increase the public's ability to visit the site and pay tribute to Ruffian and her incredible
legacy
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."
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Ruffian after winning the 1974 Sorority Stakes at Monmouth Park
Jim Raftery
Ruffian's Remains Relocated to Claiborne Farm
Edited Press Release