Ruffian is a 2007 American television film that tells the story of the U.S. Racing Hall of Fame Champion Thoroughbred filly Ruffian who went undefeated until her death after breaking down in a nationally televised match race at Belmont Park on July 6, 1975, against the Kentucky Derby winner, Foolish Pleasure.
Made by ESPN Original Entertainment, the film is directed by Yves Simoneau and stars Sam Shepard as Ruffian's trainer, Frank Whiteley. The producers used four different geldings in the role of Ruffian. Locations for the 2007 film included Louisiana Downs in Shreveport, Louisiana and Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.
Ruffian was first broadcast on June 9, 2007, on the ABC television network. The DVD was released on June 12, 2007.
Previously, ESPN Classic had broadcast a special on July 6, 2000, to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the death of Ruffian.Ruffian remembered on ESPN Classic
This movie is also one of Laura Bailey's only major live action roles.
Cast Sam Shepard as Frank Whiteley Frank Whaley as Bill Nack Laura Bailey as Cassie Nicholas Pryor as Stuart Janney Christine Belford as Barbara Janney Mathew Greer as Dan Williams Louis Herthum as Dr. Harthill John McConnell as Tony Pappas Michael Harding as LeRoy Jolley Stuart Greer as Dan Lasater Jon Stafford as Dr. Pendergrast David Dwyer as Dick Sandler Bill Flynn as Elder Reporter Keith Flippen as Dinny Phipps Jerry Leggio as Lucien Laurin Vladimir Diaz as Jacinto Vásquez Joel Santiago as Vincent Bracciale Francisco Torres as Braulio Baeza Dave Johnson as himself (track announcer) Gary McKillips as Jack
See also List of films about horses List of films about horse racing
References
External links
ESPN film trailer at the NTRA Background on Ruffian and the film at ESPN