Rachel Alexandra, the 2009 Horse of the Year, returned to Stonestreet Farm March 26 to begin the next stage of her recuperation following abdominal surgery performed mid-February at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital near Lexington.

The 7-year-old daughter of Medaglia d’Oro was hospitalized one day after the Feb. 12 delivery of her second foal, a filly by Bernardini. The filly is healthy and has bonded well with a nurse mare while her multiple grade I-winning dam continues to recover.

According to a release, Stonestreet employees decorated her stall with cards from fans as they awaited her arrival, and a get-well banner from Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots stretched across the barn to welcome the hard-fighting champion home.

"Having Rachel home is a milestone in her recovery," said owner Barbara Banke. "I am deeply grateful to Drs. (Brett) Woodie (DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS), (Bonnie) Barr (VMD, Dipl. ACVIM), (Steve) Reed (DVM, Dipl. ACVIM), and the entire Rood & Riddle team for the unparalleled care Rachel has received. A special thank you to Alex Riddle for keeping Rachel’s fans updated on her progress and to Medicine Technician Brent Comer for his dedication to her care