by Paul Ramlow, USTA Internet News Manager

Columbus, OH — An $18 million equine hospital, named for the Thoroughbred filly Ruffian, has opened near Belmont Park, and will specialize in diagnostics and orthopedic surgery for horses of all breeds and disciplines.

The medical practice will be led by Dr. James Hunt and chief surgeon Dr. Patricia Hogan, but will have an open-door policy for outside surgeons and specialists.

The 22,000-square-foot facility includes two surgery suites, three recovery stalls, a high-speed treadmill, a full-service laboratory, three climate-controlled stalls and 26 standard stalls.

Dr. Hogan will be commuting to the new hospital from her clinic, Hogan Equine, in Cream Ridge, N.J., via a helicopter she bought, which is piloted by her husband, Ed Lohmeyer.