Letter To The Editor: One Ruffian Fan Thanks Claiborne, NYRA For Bringing Her Home

As a lifelong racing fan and horse lover I cannot say thank you enough to the Janney family the New York Racing Association and the Hancock family of Farm for making sure the remains of Ruffian the greatest filly in racing will be preserved for all time.
The video shared by Claiborne Farm of Ruffians exhumation with the sight of the red Locust Hill Farm blanket peeking out from the dirt surrounding Ruffians body after decades in the earth at the base of Belmont Parks flagpole and reburial at Claiborne with the lonely figure of the man at the precipice of the newlydug grave respectfully guiding the coffin held aloft by the crane all with the song Im Coming Home narrating the images brought me to tears. Fresh tears for the horse that meant so much to me when I was a child.

I have loved horses ever since I was a tiny child and knew what they were. The first Kentucky Derby I ever saw was 1969 and the gorgeous Majestic Prince. I remember my sister being upset with me when the next day when our dad bought the Sunday paper and Majestic Princes picture was on the front page I called dibs on it before she did. That set me on a path of loving racing and the glorious horses and history that make it such a sport of beauty and emotion.
her. When I turned 30 my father bought me a copy of Jane Schwartzs book Ruffian Burning from the Start. He wrote my name and a birthday greeting in it in his beautiful handwriting. Since he died only six months after my wedding I have treasured that book.
When my husband and I took a trip to Belmont Park in 1999 to see the Belmont Stakes and a chance to

see Charismatic win the Triple Crown I remember asking a security guard if it was possible to see Ruffians grave after the days racing was over only to be given a firm but gentle No.
When the NYRA announced their construction project my thoughts went immediately to Ruffian and what might happen to her grave. I should have known that Claiborne Farm would play a central role in rescuing her remains. I have never failed to visit Claiborne Farm on my travels to Kentucky ever since my first trip while I was in college in 1985 when a groom took me to see Round Table when I asked if he was still alive and many years later when my husband and I made a visit on our honeymoon. Claiborne is my favorite place to visit the peaceful serenity the kindness to all who come and the reverence for the horses. It is right to have Ruffian home at Claiborne and resting in such glorious company.