I cried so much during this movie. It broke my heart to see her think she was still running. She was one of the best horses out their and sadly her career was ended shortly and everything that life held for her in the future. May she gallop in the fields of horsey heaven for eternity. RIP Ruffian 💔❤️🩹❤️
unfortunately, when a horse wakes up from any surgery, they normally wake up with the thought they are running, even non racehorses, its their adrenalin
@@angibunn1414Thank goodness they invented the pool with the rubber raft. The photos of Barbaro as they lifted him out show how much it’s helped. The track system that hangs from the ceiling, helping horses get to a stall with the sling that supports their weight helps too. University of Saskatchewan has invented a new sling and track system that allows the horse to slowly adjust to putting the injured leg down; with sensors that calculate every possible position, is run by a computer. I really thought Barbaro would make it. Seven months is a long time in recovery; we need a cure for laminitis!
@@angibunn1414The invention of the raft and pulley system has helped a lot of horses get through that initial hurdle. If you look up pictures of Barbaro, they used the system. Plus the sling that has many adjustable areas and numbers to help people put it on properly. I wish he had made it. But many have!
Ruffian was the first race horse that I fell in love with from the start. Just watching her walk took my breath away. She was pure grace with something extra that I can't even describe. I never got to see her in person up close, but I watched every televised race and read every article about her that I could find. Watching her last race traumatized me forever. She fought so hard to keep running as the world silently begged her to stop. I sat all day waiting for news praying she'd come through surgery while knowing the risks for further injuries of horses coming out of anesthesia. When the report came out that the surgery was successful, I allowed myself to hope, but all too soon that hope was dashed and she was gone. Watching this movie was like reliving it all over again. I'm old now and although I've watched a few other race horses over the years, I have never allowed myself to invest my heart into any others like I did Ruffian and I don't care what anyone says or thinks. I know in my heart that she would have won that race against Foolish Pleasure. Rest in peace Ruffian
She was kicking his ass when she went down. The first horse I remember having to be destroyed. I was very young, 2nd-3rd grade and I will NEVER FORGET her going down. SHE WAS SUCH A MAGNIFICENT FILLY& SUCH A LOSS.😢
I have always been a huge fan of horse racing, but was born after Ruffian. This story reminds me all too well of Barbaro. RIP Ruffian. What an amazing filly.
I was glad that I wasn't there in person, but I saw that race and Ruffian's break. I had followed her short career - if she had stayed sound, she would have forever been right there in the same class as Secretariat. They are happily running together now, in animal paradise. What a class act with a huge heart.
Match racing is very very hard on a horse.....they hook up too tight too close eye ball to eye ball...it's very hard to relax them for the long haul...one mile and half long way to be flat out all the way that's why whitely did not want to do a match...Always do horse first no matter what , and people second...
Of course, she would've! The one thing she hated was viewing the hind end of another horse! Always victorious! If you compared her record to the greatest horse that ever raced, Secretariat, her first 10 races were better than even His!❤️🌹❤️
Im not sure im going to watch this with all the comments that I have read, Kind of like Dreamer with Kurt Russel and Kris Kristoferson. The trainer told the owner the horse wasnt ready to race. People like the horse owners shouldnt own horses. It comes down to greed like you said Amanda. When the horses are no longer useful they get rid of them instead of rewarding them and allowing them to live the rest of their life in peace
So sad. The industry pushes these beautiful animals beyond their limits and gambles on their lives. Why i never went nor will ever go to thoroughbred or standardbred races
When I saw Ruffian move her legs, I thought she was trying to get up but when they said she thought she was still running that broke my heart. She wanted to keep running despite her injuries. Ruffian and Secretariat were both amazing horses and they will forever run free in horse heaven. 🐎
@@adrianashilling2573 These days she would be coming around in a pool and would not have broken the other leg but would still have faced an uphill battle to recover and live out her life as a brood mare. In more recent times Barbero faced a battle of survival that only lasted 8 months after shattering his hind leg.
During the broadcast of that race they played the song "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better". For years I couldn't hear that song without thinking about that day
The very reason I stopped liking horse racing. The vet said loud and clear what's it like with all her weight pounding down on her ankles and legs. Nobody cared. They will race a poor horse until they die. So many of them have to be put down because of ailments acquired from years of racing. To these people they are just something to brag about and collect money. I would like to see the owners run their asses around until they die?
That Bold Ruler Bloodline certainly threw some truly spectacular horses!! Ruffian, had she survived, would have been a legendary broodmare prospect! And I do believe she would have beaten Foolish Pleasure...No Doubt!!
I was teaching english riding at Clark Air Base at that time. I watched that race, and saw Ruffian break down. I don't think I've ever seen a more tragic horse race than the great Ruffian's last race.
Watch the 1990 Breeder's Cup Distaff. The great Go For Wand breaks down. Also heartbreaking. She was put down while still on the track. (Jan Griffiths).
This was a hideous waste of a great animals life. It's my generation that had to make safety "cool" and the #1 priority. Used to be helmets, pads, splint boots, ect weren't cool so so many got injured and killed both human and animal unnecessarily. We don't even start the first 30 days basic training till they are over 2 years old so the fact these horses were being wasted like this is really bizarre
Was there ever an autopsy done to see the size of her heart? I know she passed well before Secretariat, but they were related. Just curious to know if anyone checked to see how her heart and lungs were able to give her all that speed. R.I. P. RUFFIAN.
No, she was buried very quickly to Belmont either same night or early the next day. She was buried whole covered in her best blankets, not head, heart and hooves as was the custom.
She was unbeatable, and at 2 years old was the greatest race horse ever. This horse should be known as the Queen of horse racing.. RIP you beautiful creature your missed everyday champ....
Ruffian's pedigree had fatal flaws from both sides. Descendants of Native Dancer, though sound, had weak ankle areas. Reviewer (her sire) broke his leg 4 times, but was euthanized after the 4th. Shenanigans also had Native Dancer in her pedigree. Eight Belles was crossed bred to Raise a Native 3 times since decades, and broke both ankles. Ruffian was so refined, and just the most amazing beautiful horse. She was so self aware. I hate that picture of her after the breakdown where she's standing and looking to the right. Almost like she's looking straight into the camera saying I don't want anyone to see me like this. That pigeon that flew up right in front of her face is so eerie. There's a flock, but one by itself was the first one. If the horses were on the other side of each other, or any other circumstances that day, I wonder how the outcome would have been. Even their names is interesting. It was foolish pleasure for the public to have this match race. Then emerges this ruffian to take everyone down. I read Baez heard the break too. I consider her the greatest. Of course Secretariat claims that title, but to me, it's her! ♀️❤️
You can dream all you want Secretariat has the time and records to prove no one has ever matched him. He was and is the best ever...and that madam is a fact.
There are 18 horse FASTER AND BETTER then ruffian she wasn nothing to secratariat not EVEN CLOSE also secratariat and ruffian are related, but secratariat is still way better .
@Aurora Carothers As I said, records PROVE no horse has matched Secretariats records he STILL HOLDS for the Kentucky Derby, Preakness AND Belmont Stakes...un matched in nearly 50 YEARS. You can "think" anything you want...the fact is SECRETARIAT stands unmatched.
The race answered the question, if you have a trainer who cares for the health of the horse more than for riches and fame, should you ever second guess him? And the answer is no.
@@siliptvkarerapinoy7873 unfortunately sometimes it isn't ignorance it is arrogance, greed, pride and selfishness. In this case all of the above. God loves His animals and gave them to us to care for... These people will suffer at God's hand.
@@siliptvkarerapinoy7873 The owner KNOWS AND CHOOSES to ignore...these people are not stupid they play a game because they are successful businessmen with lots of money ...they make the decision because of greed pride and selfishness with no caring for the animal. I have spent a lifetime with and training horses and the people that own them...some trainers truly care...few owners do...it is win at all costs...i am 80 and know about what I speak.
Yes I would say her life was cut short because of greed and not listening to your trainer the one who knows the horse best, and not the public people's nor the owners of the horse, a beautiful horse had to be put down because it.
human greed? the fuck does that mean she was loved by everyone and loved to race her jockey had to force her to stop when he realized she was injured that's greed?
SHE GOT WEAK ANKLES FROM BOTH PARENTS . THEY WAS PUT TO BACK TOGETHER WITH SCREWS . WHEN SHE WOKE UP . TO HER SHE WAS STILL IN A RACE . SHE WOULD OF BEAT FOOLISH PLEASUE TOO . SHE WAS CALLED HOME . RUNNING WITH ALL THE GREATS
Watching this live so many years ago was absolutely sickening. A three year old. And all they do is push them until this happens. When will it ever stop? Probably the most promising three year-old ever.
That's what happens when owners of horses put their own prestige and others desires, ahead of a horses well being. Whitle, knew she needed a break, and said that he wanted to wait till The Travelers to run her again. That would have given her over a month and a half of a well needed break. Any horse will break down continually running them that often, without a break. Track record race after race, is too much on a horse without a break. It's Heartless Owners like these, who just chase money and prestige that have killed more horses, then anything! What A Shame!
She was a magnificent animal. I was watching the race and couldn't believe it when her leg snapped...she didn't deserve to go that way, nor with that type of break should they have put her through it. She was too much of a fighter to give up which was the only way she had a chance and they knew it...their pride made her suffer. Sometimes when you truly love something you have to let them go...she is in God's herd now.
Exactly! The public is never told how many racehorses die because of unsafe tracks or pushed schedules. Human beings are no different...they require breaks as well.
Unfortunately since that 💔 day there have been too many such tragedies. Horseracing needs to clean up it's act. Too many gone to injury and even more gone to slaughter.
I remember watching this race on TV. I was pretty sure Ruffian was going to beat Foolish Pleasure before they actually ran. Foolish Pleasure had already been beaten a few times and she was undefeated. She is still undefeated in my mind and the best racing filly that ever lived. I was sick when I saw her break down.
I always was into horses, reading about them, drawing them at age five, and I still do in my elderly age. My dad used to tell me stories of him and his horse that NO ONE could get near to except him, this started my hopes in having a horse of my own someday. I was really into horse racing with Secretariat’s racing career and then watching him win the Triple Crown event. I also remember this race very well, it broke my heart to see her in so much pain, I could actually feel it from her in her eyes. Yet in spite all of this she still wanted to run, that’s when I realized it wasn’t possible for her to survive, it was just too severe a break, she never would be the same afterwards. I cried my eyes out for her, she was a great horse with a great heart. This movie brings me back to those memories of her, and frankly, I was crying at the ending, the same as I did then. RIP Ruffian, you will always be remembered in my heart forever as the greatest filly in racing. The biggest problem in the horse racing world is that even though a foal may be born, let’s say in December, that foal is still considered a yearling and two years old in a year’s time, simply because every January the first, marks them as being born a year ago. This causes very serious problems with the development of the horses legs and other areas of their bodies stature. Working a horse too early, when the legs are underdeveloped, it weakens their legs and can cause injuries to their legs and hooves, etc, etc.,. In other words, it cripples the horse, and most times they are put down and killed because of it, like Ruffian, including other horses I’ve known. A sad story indeed because of racing greed and proving one horse is better than another, Instead of the horses wellbeing to begin with. Horses NEVER should be cruelly treated this way. They need time to develop their muscles and legs first, and not for money alone. I rode an old racehorse once, named Tilly, she always wanted to run. I had to hold her back. Her legs weren’t strong enough for running anymore, plus she was 22 years old and she still wanted to run. I fell in love with her, she was a great old girl and we became good companions. I miss her. RIP Tilly, I will never forget you. HIGH 5…👍❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I lost my first horse in November. Abigail was a 25 year old standardbred. I got her as a yearling, and loved her bright bay coat and massive body for her whole life. When I get her ashes back, I’m going to bury them with her best friend, Hazel (21 year old standardbred) up at the top of the hill where they were both boarded for over a dozen years. Maybe then Abby can still be the boss mare.
I was so looking forward to her match race! And then eagerly watching the race, she broke her leg!! Just about broke my heart!!! I've never gotten over it!! I can't stand to watch her break down again! So heartbreaking!!! I still think about her!
A mile and a quarter!?! WHYYYY!!?? That’s just ridiculous- no reason for it. Gosh, I just love thoroughbreds, and even the idea of racing, but the absolute greed and stupidity kills me.
You asked why... Cuz some horses are trained and do best as a sprinter (short distances) and that's their thing, just speed. But to truly test a horse (or human) in a running race is to try longer races - why? Cuz racing isn't just a test of brute speed. To test the whole being is to test the mind as well. One wants to create (and breed) the finest mind for pacing, digging deep in the final stretch (how competitive is the inner spirit) - to see if the herd-leader instinct produces a champion. When one trains and breeds these traits over n over... It's what it's all about - "Who's the best overall?" Today....pedigree is gold 🏆 But..trainer n jockey come in a super 'close second' in whether or not it all works out. And then, season this with a dash of luck 🍀 Ask a European and the best test of a horse and they'll always say it's the steeple chase. This is a marathon (way more than 1n1/4mile) race over slight up n down grades w various types of jumps.
As much as the trainer want to protect the horse, the owner still has the last say. Ruffian shouldnt have run that race. She has nothing to prove, she was already the best horse at that time.
Guess you had to use Dave Johnson as the caller of the maiden race since Chick Anderson is calling ém from the clouds... If any filly deserves a movie it's this fine gal. Thanks for bringing back fond Belmont memories for this old railbird.
I watched the movie when I was younger, not expecting that to happen (I didn't know the movie since I just wanted to watch a horse movie and that was the first one I could find on RU-vid that I haven't watched yet) And let me tell you, I almost screamed when the leg broke. I, as a maybe 8 or 9 year old child, was TRAUMATISED, and I think even cried It's so sad what happened. Rest in peace, Ruffian 🕊
After ruffian has her leg worked on and comes out of Anethisia She's laying on the ground far enough away from things That somehow she's still breaking by kicking her legs.. I don't understand that part. breaking things that are not close enough for her legs to hit.
It was the year after I graduated from High School. Loved racing since I was very little. The first Derby I remember was Chateaugay, which was either '61 or '62. I adored Ruffian . She was like a house afire! When she broke down, watching Jacinto trying to hold her up, I was in tears. My heart was so sore that for the next 5 years I didn't watch any of the races. It took another filly, ridden by the same jockey, to pull me out. Thank you, Genuine Risk! RIP Ruffian. I still cry, every year, on the anmiversary. EVERY year.
What a great filly she was. I wish someone would do a documentary or movie on the great little filly Dark Mirage. She has had a special place in my heart for many decades. (She also, like Ruffian, won the Triple Tiara--1968.)
The way Frank often kept an eye on her legs before she broke them, makes me think that, despite being such an amazing racer, her legs just weren't strong enough. I think it was inevitable, she pushed herself too hard, and even after she couldn't run anymore she still refused to accept it.
I have watched the movie until the race is about to begin. I just do NOT LIKE the way they treated these horse. I agree with you they're NOT machines. I haven't even watched the race, and I'm already mad because I did read some of the comments. I think I should calm myself down before finishing the movie.
As a kid in school, when ever we had to write a report for English class, mine were always about equines!!! Teacher's hated it...till I was a junior in high school! My English teacher as I later found out, was a retired jockey... I did my research on him and the horse's he rode, as my final report!!! And my class mates were shocked with surprise in learning about our beloved English teacher....needless to say, it was my best year ever in school (and I hated school until I met him- Mr.Schaffer) !! He said he always looked forward to my reports, cause it let him slip back into his thoughts of riding racehorses...Aced my junior year of English...
Moody Jolley, Leroy's dad was a hard cold man, his first remark was "see what happened, put a little pressure on the B and she came unbuckled" My father worked for Moody, he quit shortly after this race, not my favorite day but she is and will always be one of my favorite racehorses. She died 3 times on that operating table under Dr. Reed's care, when she woke up, she wanted to finish her race, the Janney's knew they couldn't put her through that again. So many think horse racing is about money, it's not, it's about letting these magnificent animals do what they love. Had she been less fiery she may have survived. My father said she was a filly before her time and she was just a glimpse into our future.
Ruffian will always be the second fastest horse and the fastest mare to ever set four hooves on a racetrack. Like her uncle Secretariat, she was a legend. And like Secretariat, she knew she was a winner. The only race she lost was her last. Ruffian had no idea what would become of her. Nobody did. I really wish people would’ve listened to Frank. But that’s the price you pay when greed overcomes you. I always cry when I watch this movie. I watch every year on the day of her death. I’m a mess each time I see her leg break, I see her in distress, I see her flail around on the table and of course when they put her down. She was so young and so pretty. I wish she didn’t die such a horrific death. Rest In Peace Ruffian, Queen of the Racetrack 💔🙏🏻
I'm sure the people who initiated the match race felt nothing when Ruffian broke down. It's all about the money for them. Horses are just another toy for those heartless people
That is total bullshit. The effort to save her was superhuman and against all odds. The Janeys donated a vast amount of money to research to make equine surgery and recovery safer and funded an equine hospital in her name. Frank Whitely was strongly opposed to the match race.
1:04:52 That must be the most sickening feeling in the world and for jockeys I can't imagine the panic trying to bail out and keep the horse from going any further. I've only seen one horse suffer a very similar injury (acting daft and galloping about in the paddock with other horses believe it or not) and he kept trying to run oh God it was a mess 😢
As a kid I used to check the Ruffian book out all the time, when I couldn't find it to check it out again I was upset, this movie had some facts in it I did not know, they should have pastured her when she had the fracture in her hind leg, but she wouldn't have liked it, she'll always be at Belmont and a beautiful winner
Ruffian was a determined filly to which she will never take second spot as it is better to die than to run second for Ruffian certainly without a doubt the best filly ever but fate had it that she was not given more time to prove her greatness but then the God's die young or the greatest die young as the heavens need them more than us Ruffian would have defeated Foolish Pleasure as she is the type of horse which finds gears to quicken and pull away from her competitors
@@sheilatruax6172 ….I agree with you on not breeding them, it would have been a disaster for the foal with already established conditions of weakened legs in its lineage/genetics, it would have caused the legs to become more susceptible to injury and be more brittle, like glass breaking.
This is most beautiful tribute to a magnificent horse movie. I cry my eyes out everytime i watch this. God bless Ruffian's groom, Dan Williams, who could see she was the finest throughbred. He should be in the Hall of fame. Maybe he is. If not what Bill Nack says, is what he saw. I know Whitely was a gem., he couldnt fight the media. Sad.
Ruffian no doubt was one of the best phillies in history. However, there were breakdowns in her pedigree and she had never raced a horse as strong as foolish pleasure. But an injury like this doesn’t just happen!! This was total negligence on their part for not giving her time off to rehabilitate that injury. They had to have seen that that leg wasn’t 100% and at that point preventative care should’ve been taken but obviously it wasn’t.
Ruffian Was Dominating at 12F as Well and in Very Respectable Time....Touches My Heart Knowing All Those Horses at Belmont Run On Top of Her on The Track Where She is Buried
❤This movie was Great!! I had a lump in my throat in the end. What a Horse and to end like that was a tragic... Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! 👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🍿🍿🍿
My heart is broken and crying just watching this movie. The owner only cared about prestige and the money purse at the race track. Ruffian was a winner and a magnificent horse. R.I.P. RUFFIAN ... YOU ARE SURELY MISSED, GONE TOO SOON. ❤❤😢😢 P I.P I.
Вы представляете какой мог быть жеребенок, от двух великих лошадей. Но секретариат реально шустрый. Это величайшие лошади что РЕЗВАЯ, ЧТО СЕКРЕТАРИАТ,.
