Ruffian
Ruffian
Release: 2007-06-09
·Runtime: 89m
·★ 8.7
Drama
TV Movie
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.
Production Countries
United States of America
Production Companies
Orly Adelson Productions
ESPN Films
ABC
Cast
Louis Herthum
as Dr. Harthill
Michael Harding
as LeRoy Jolley
Chris Freihofer
as Saratoga Guy
John McConnell
as Tony Pappas
Jason Douglas
as Security Guard
Keith Flippen
as Dinny Phipps
Stuart Greer
as Dan Lasater
Jon Stafford
as Dr. Pendergrast
John F. Daniel
as Saratoga Race Fan
John S. Davies
as CBS Exec.
Frank Whaley
as Bill Nack
Bill Flynn
as Elder Reporter
Tony Devon
as Howie Whitford
J.D. Evermore
as Saratoga Bettor
Nicholas Pryor
as Stuart Janney
Lisa Arnold
as Female Sports Reporter #2
Tony Bentley
as The Lout
Phillip DeVona
as NYRA President
Dodie Brown
as Match Race Fan
Laura Bailey
as Cassie
Christine Belford
as Barbara Janney
Mark Adam
as Mike Bell
Sam Shepard
as Frank Whiteley
David Dwyer
as Dick Sandler