Ruffian

The story

Ruffian is an American made-for-television movie 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.

Cast

S Sam ShepardFrank Whiteley F Frank WhaleyBill Nack L Laura BaileyCassie N Nicholas PryorStuart Janney C Christine BelfordBarbara Janney M Mathew GreerDan Williams L Louis HerthumDr. Harthill J John McConnellTony Pappas M Michael HardingLeRoy Jolley S Stuart GreerDan Lasater J Jon StaffordDr. Pendergrast D David DwyerDick Sandler

See more cast

B Bill FlynnElder Reporter K Keith FlippenDinny Phipps J Jerry LeggioLucien Laurin V Vladimir DiazJacinto Vásquez J Joel SantiagoVincent Bracciale F Francisco TorresBraulio Baeza G Gary McKillipsJack M Mark AdamMike Bell L Lisa ArnoldFemale Sports Reporter #2 B Barry BartonNews Reporter T Tony BentleyThe Lout J John T. BillingsleyNews Camera Man D Dodie BrownMatch Race Fan C Craig ClaryRace Fan D Dave CohenNYC TV Reporter M Mellinda CraigHigh Class Racetrack Patron K Kip CummingsReporter / Race Fan J John F. DanielSaratoga Race Fan J John S. DaviesCBS Exec. T Tony DevonHowie Whitford P Phillip DeVonaNYRA President J Jean-Claude DoleseNews Reporter / Spectator J Jason DouglasSecurity Guard O Owl Martin DwyerHorse Stable Worker J J.D. EvermoreSaratoga Bettor C Chris FreihoferSaratoga Guy