AIKEN, S.C. -- Virgil "Buddy" Raines, a longtime and highly respected Eastern horseman, died Wednesday at a nursing home. He was 89.

Raines trained several top thoroughbreds during his career, including 1962 Preakness winner Greek Money.

Raines, easy to recognize with his trademark Stetson hat, became head trainer for Brookmeade Stable in 1943. But he'll be best remembered for his training accomplishments with Donald P. Ross's Brandywine Stable, which he joined in 1937.

While there, he sent Greek Song out to win the Arlington Classic and the Dwyer in 1950 and later, Greek Money. He later trained Open Fire, co-champion handicap mare of 1966.