The Legacy Of Ruffian 41 Years Later
Ruffian was born on April 17th, 1972. She was a Reviewer filly out of the mare Shenanigans. Ruffian was owned by Stuart and Barbara Janney and trained by Hall Of Fame trainer Frank Whitely. Whitely had a very keen eye for talent in horses. When Ruffian was brought to Laurel Hill Farm to train, he was taken by her size, beauty and grace. She had a regal quality about her. As a granddaughter of the great Native Dancer she was racing royalty. Whitely quickly realized she had also inherited the great sire of sires' athleticism, speed, and competitive fire. A buzz began to build around the shedrow about the filly who was proving to have more than good looks, she was beginning to look like the stuff of champions. Her racing debut was eagerly anticipated.
Ruffian did not dissapoint in her racing debut. She set a track record and won by over 14 lengths. She had announced her presence with authority. All throughout her two year old season she remained undefeated, set track records, and was named U.S. Champion two year old filly. As a three year old she continued to set track records and won the Triple Tiara, the filly version of the Triple Crown by winning the Acorn Stakes, the Mother Goose Stakes, and the Coaching Club American Oaks. Her average margin of victory was 8 1/2 lengths. There was talk of having her compete with the colts.
The idea was struck to have Ruffian compete with the top colt of the day, Foolish Pleasure, in a match race. The women's rights movement was in full force, and Billy Jean King had defeated Bobby Riggs in the famous tennis match. Who better to display girl power than the undefeated filly that would not lose. Ruffian refused to let any horse pass her. She never gave up the lead. Match races were fairly common in racing, and it was an exciting prospect to let the two best horses of the day compete against each other.
The date for the match race was set for July 6th, 1975 at Belmont Park. The media build up to the match race was impressive. T-shirts were made, buttons proudly worn, and many interviews were given. Many women rallied around the undefeated filly, and many men supported the talented chestnut colt. Who would win the equine battle of the sexes? The anticipation built to a crescendo.
At last, the day of the Great Match Race arrived. With great fanfare, Ruffian and Foolish Pleasure paraded to the starting gate. As the gates opened, Ruffian banked sharply to the right, then straightened herself. Foolish Pleasure began to move slightly ahead, but Ruffian was having none of it. She quickly took the lead and maintained it. It looked as though Ruffian might prove herself truly unbeatable by any filly or colt. The crowd of 50,764 spectators vociferously cheered the two rivals on.
At about the 1/2 mile mark, tragedy struck. While she was still in the lead, Ruffian took a bad step and shattered two sesamoid bones in her front right leg. Her jockey, Jacinto Vasquez, desperately attempted to pull Ruffian up. She would not stop. Ruffian continued to run on her shattered leg until it gave out completely. The spectators stood silently as the three year old filly was tended to and rushed to the veterinary hospital at Belmont. Foolish Pleasure crossed the finish line, but there was no rejoicing in his victory. The Great Match Race had taken a very tragic turn.
At the veterinary hospital, Ruffian was rushed into surgery. The operation to set her shattered leg was successful. When Ruffian awoke from the anaesthesia, she began thrashing her legs as if she was still trying to finish the race. It became so violent she broke her elbow from the weight of the cast, and reinjured her broken leg. The decision was made to end Ruffian's suffering and she was humanely euthanized. Ruffian was surrounded by many of those who had cared for her in her short lifetime. She died in the early hours of July 7th, 1975.
Ruffian was given the honor of being buried at Belmont Park. She was buried covered by her favorite blankets. Ruffian faces the finish line, so she can finish the Great Match Race in spirit. Ruffian was posthumously awarded U.S. Champion three year old filly. Of her 11 starts, the only race Ruffian lost is the race that ultimately ended her life. She did not give up the lead even to the end.
Since the death of Ruffian, changes have taken place in the horse racing industry. More comprehensive regulations were put in place to better protect race horses. There also has been increased medical research into the health and well being of race horses. There has not been a match race since the death of Ruffian 41 years ago. The stall she occupied at Laurel Hill Farm has remained empty since the day she died. Her trainer, Frank Whitely, asked that no other horse ever occupy Ruffian's stall, and that request has been honored.
Why did Ruffian break down? We may never be sure. Some analysts believe she was startled by a flock of birds on the race track. Some researchers attribute it to genetics. The Native Dancer line has been plagued with leg and bone problems for generations. Others argue that Ruffian simply took a bad step. One thing is certain, Ruffian inspired everyone who knew her and saw her race. She captivated her fans with her beauty, grace, and indomitable spirit. Ruffian will always be remembered as the magnificent race horse who never gave up the lead, and refused to lose.