Ruffian

The story

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.

Cast & crew

Sam ShepardFrank Whiteley

Frank WhaleyBill Nack

Laura BaileyCassie

Nicholas PryorStuart Janney

Christine BelfordBarbara Janney

Mathew Greer

Mathew GreerDan Williams

Louis HerthumDr. Harthill

John McConnellTony Pappas

Michael HardingLeRoy Jolley

Stuart GreerDan Lasater

Jon StaffordDr. Pendergrast

David DwyerDick Sandler