Ruffian
Drama
TV Movie
Champions live forever.
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.
2007-06-09
en
Cast
Director
Yves Simoneau
Sam Shepard as Frank Whiteley
Frank Whaley as Bill Nack
Laura Bailey as Cassie
Nicholas Pryor as Stuart Janney
Christine Belford as Barbara Janney
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
Mark Adam as Mike Bell
Lisa Arnold as Female Sports Reporter #2
Tony Bentley as The Lout
Dodie Brown as Match Race Fan
John F. Daniel as Saratoga Race Fan
John S. Davies as CBS Exec.
Tony Devon as Howie Whitford
Phillip DeVona as NYRA President
Jason Douglas as Security Guard
J.D. Evermore as Saratoga Bettor
Chris Freihofer as Saratoga Guy