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.
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