Ruffian

Story

Synopsis

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.

Director

Yves Simoneau

Writers

Garrett K. Schiff, Jim Burnstein

Language

English

Country

United States of America

Release date

9 June 2007

Ensemble

Cast

• 

  Sam Shepard

  Frank Whiteley

• 

  Frank Whaley

  Bill Nack

• 

  Laura Bailey

  Cassie

• 

  Nicholas Pryor

  Stuart Janney

• 

  Christine Belford

  Barbara Janney

• Mathew Greer

  Dan Williams

• 

  Louis Herthum

  Dr. Harthill

• 

  John McConnell

  Tony Pappas

• 

  Michael Harding

  LeRoy Jolley

• 

  Stuart Greer

  Dan Lasater

• 

  Jon Stafford

  Dr. Pendergrast

• 

  David Dwyer

  Dick Sandler