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.
Movie tag line: "Champions live forever."
Production companies:
Character: Frank Whiteley
Character: Bill Nack
Character: Cassie
Character: Stuart Janney
Character: Barbara Janney
Character: Dan Williams
Character: Dr. Harthill
Character: Tony Pappas
Character: LeRoy Jolley
Character: Dan Lasater
Character: Dr. Pendergrast
Character: Dick Sandler
Character: Elder Reporter
Character: Dinny Phipps
Character: Lucien Laurin
Character: Jacinto Vásquez
Character: Vincent Bracciale
Character: Braulio Baeza
Character: Jack
Character: Mike Bell
Character: Female Sports Reporter #2
Character: News Reporter
Character: The Lout
Character: News Camera Man
Character: Match Race Fan
Character: Race Fan
Character: NYC TV Reporter
Character: High Class Racetrack Patron
Character: Reporter / Race Fan
Character: Saratoga Race Fan
Character: CBS Exec.
Character: Howie Whitford
Character: NYRA President
Character: News Reporter / Spectator
Character: Security Guard
Character: Horse Stable Worker
Character: Saratoga Bettor
Character: Saratoga Guy