Overview
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
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
Bill Flynn
Elder Reporter
Keith Flippen
Dinny Phipps
Jerry Leggio
Lucien Laurin
Vladimir Diaz
Jacinto Vásquez
Joel Santiago
Vincent Bracciale
Francisco Torres
Braulio Baeza
Gary McKillips
Jack
Mark Adam
Mike Bell
Lisa Arnold
Female Sports Reporter #2
Barry Barton
News Reporter
Tony Bentley
The Lout
John T. Billingsley
News Camera Man
Dodie Brown
Match Race Fan
Craig Clary
Race Fan
Dave Cohen
NYC TV Reporter
Mellinda Craig
High Class Racetrack Patron
Kip Cummings
Reporter / Race Fan
John F. Daniel
Saratoga Race Fan
John S. Davies
CBS Exec.
Tony Devon
Howie Whitford
Phillip DeVona
NYRA President
Jean-Claude Dolese
News Reporter / Spectator
Jason Douglas
Security Guard
Owl Martin Dwyer
Horse Stable Worker
J.D. Evermore
Saratoga Bettor
Chris Freihofer
Saratoga Guy
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