Remembering Ruffian: Part 3
I am sure many of you may have been dreading Part 3 of Ruffian’s story. But there is more to it than just the tragic conclusion. The mechanics of the match race and the lead-up to it and how it all came about are all very much a part of the story. I felt no need to get graphic regarding her injury, but to ignore or avoid those final moments would be like walking out before the end of Shakespeare’s greatest plays. ~ Steve Haskin
“And a Way Out Yonder Ahead of Them All…”
By Steve Haskin
Those lyrics from the song “Stewball,” which was first recorded in 1940 and later recorded by Woody Guthrie, Peter, Paul, and Mary, and Joan Baez, tells the story of an eighteenth century horse in England. Baez later would change some of the lyrics and dedicate the song to Ruffian.
Although the lyrics that headline this column refer to Stewball, to me they will always conjure up visions of Ruffian.
And now we come to Part 3, a chapter that will still be disturbing to many, but is as much a part of her life and legacy as her triumphs, and keeps her closer to our hearts than most other great champions.
Although we left you in Part 2 with Ruffian’s impressive victory in the Coaching Club American Oaks, Part 3 actually begins a week before that race.
It was still only June, but after the Mother Goose it already had become obvious that Ruffian had run out of competition from her own sex, and further procession-like romps would offer little intrigue and make promoting her races difficult.
Ruffian looking magnificent at Belmont Park in the spring of 1975.
Of course, she still had to get through the testing mile and a half Oaks, but she had an air of invincibility around her and there were few fears of her getting beat.So it was only natural that the New York Racing Association turn its attention to the boys and try to find a way to bring them into the national spotlight.
The “Big Boy” out there was the mighty gelding Forego, the defending Horse of the Year, who seemed unstoppable from seven furlongs to two miles. But his big races would be in fall when the championships are decided. So NYRA turned its attention to the 3-year-old colts.
However, unlike the previous four years, the wealth was spread during the 1975 Triple Crown, with Foolish Pleasure winning the Kentucky Derby, but managing only second-place finishes to Master Derby in the Preakness and Avatar in the Belmont. The reigning 2-year-old champion and budding superstar ran strong races both times, but not enough to create a buzz, which was the intent two years earlier when it was proposed by the Philip Morris Company to have Triple Crown winner Secretariat take on his illustrious stablemate Riva Ridge in the inaugural Marlboro Cup, originally intended as a match race between the two Meadow Stable colts. That concept would morph into an invitational race attracting the best horses in the country, as well as Canada.
Considering the situation in 1975, NYRA decided to come up with a new concept called the “Race of Champions,” a $300,000 showdown between that year’s three Triple Crown race winners Foolish Pleasure, Master Derby, and Avatar. But Avatar had already flown back to California following the Belmont and trainer Tommy Doyle had no desire to send him back east, so that put an end to the “Race of Champions, even though the connections of Foolish Pleasure and Master Derby had accepted.
Monmouth Park, meanwhile, was bold enough to propose a $400,000 match race between Ruffian and Foolish Pleasure, even with Ruffian still having another race to run. NYRA decided to change its original concept and follow Monmouth’s proposal by having a match race between the same two horses, upping their purse to $400,000, and take $50,000 out of that total and pay Master Derby’s owner Verna Lehmann to withdraw their horse from the original race, as she was still willing to run.
Foolish Pleasure’s trainer Leroy Jolley had been OK with his colt, who had good natural speed, taking on the two colts, but was against having a three-horse race with “that great filly in there,” feeling Foolish Pleasure would be too busy focusing all his attention on trying to run with Ruffian while his Preakness conqueror sat back waiting to take advantage of any speed duel. He felt it would not make for a true race and certainly not a “real match race.” So NYRA paid Lehmann not to run and she accepted.
NYRA chairman Jack Dreyfus explained “She stood by all the negotiations, and when it developed that it would be only Foolish Pleasure and Ruffian we decided to reward her for her patience and cooperation, for which she also receives our sincere gratitude.”
The race would be run at 1 ¼ miles with the usual scale weight for 3‐year‐olds, 126 pounds for the colt and 121 for the filly. The winner would receive $225,000 and the loser $125,000.
Jolley accepted for owner John L. Greer, and Ruffian’s owner Stuart Janney also accepted, much to the dismay of trainer Frank Whiteley.
There was also the matter of jockeys, as Jacinto Vasquez was the regular rider of both horses. Whiteley said it was entirely up to Vasquez, but added, “If he chooses Foolish Pleasure, he will not be allowed to ride Ruffian in the Coaching Club, because I’d rather have a jockey who is accustomed to the filly, and he can get accustomed to her in that race.” But there was no way Vasquez was going to give up the mount on a superstar like Ruffian, so Jolley gave the mount to Braulio Baeza.
On June 14, one week before the Coaching Club American Oaks, NYRA made the announcement on the match race. At that time, Monmouth Park executives reportedly were in the process of wrapping up their deal in the Manhattan office of a major commercial sponsor when Monmouth Park president Phil Iselin received a phone call informing him of the NYRA deal. Iselin reportedly hung up and simply said, “Gentlemen, I have nothing to sell you.”
Like Whiteley, Janney actually was not overly thrilled with the idea, but he called Whiteley and said, “Frank, we’re going to have to do something one of these days and I’d rather do it in New York.” Whiteley balked at it, but Janney told him he felt obligated because the media and the public wanted to see it.
Whiteley felt there wasn’t a horse in the country who could beat Ruffian, and he was thinking ahead more to the fall when he’d get the chance to, as he put it, “whip ‘ol Forego’s ass.”
So just like that, all the talk was now about Ruffian taking on the Kentucky Derby winner. Like two years earlier when Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in tennis’ “Battle of the Sexes,” we now had an equine version of it. NYRA had buttons made up with head shots of each horse and the heading “The Great Match” and smaller ones that simply said “Him” and “Her.”
July, 6, 1975 match race promotional buttons and Belmont Park track program entries.
Ruffian, as expected, won the CCA Oaks over a stubborn opponent in Equal Change, who held her margin down to 2 ½ lengths. On July 1, she and Foolish Pleasure both turned in bullet five-furlong works. The day before the race, Whiteley blew Ruffian out an easy three furlongs, while Jolley decided to go straight into the race off the five-furlong work.
There was a strange feeling in the air the afternoon of July 6, whether it was something foreboding I can’t really say. But I could feel it. I had never seen a match race, but I knew Whiteley was dead-set against it, and I remember hearing from my good friend Floyd Williams, the stallion groom at Darby Dan Farm who was a groom at Washington Park when Swaps met Nashua in their much-hyped match race, about how bad Swaps’ foot was going into the race. Sure enough, Swaps ducked out badly at the start and never looked comfortable, as Nashua took the track from him and went on to win by 6 ½ lengths in what turned out to be an anti-climactic race, much like the famed War Admiral – Seabiscuit match race was in 1938.
The fear in 1975 was that Ruffian and Foolish Pleasure were going to be asked to run way too fast early with half the year still left and all the big championship races still to come. The media, however, was having a field day with the match race and despite the tension, you could feel the excitement growing all afternoon.
I couldn’t stand the wait and went to the backstretch and waited for Ruffian at the barn. I followed her through the tunnel to the paddock. As she walked down the ramp leading to the tunnel, Whiteley was in front of her and I was behind her. I took a black and white photo of them just as Whiteley turned his head back and for some reason looked down at Ruffian’s legs. It was not the shot I was expecting. I did make up an 8″ x 10″ print of it and kept it in a drawer in our family room, but found it too disturbing and too eerie to look at.
Years later, I searched for that photo, but never found it. After a while I just decided that as unique and newsworthy as that photo may have been it would be too upsetting for people and was not meant to be seen. I never looked for it again.
Joining the rest of the fans in the saddling paddock, I did manage to get another shot of Ruffian walking out to the track. In hindsight, even with all the surrounding anticipation of the race, it was a reverent moment. I had no idea that this would be the last time I would be photographing her.
Ruffian with Jacinto Vasquez aboard walking to the track for the final time.
Up to that point in my career I had never seen or heard of a top horse breaking down, and the thought of a horse suffering a fatal injury and having to be euthanized never even crossed my mind.
When they broke from the gate they were going so fast that Foolish Pleasure wound blazing the half in :44 3/5 and three-quarters in 1:08 3/5, unheard of in a 1 ¼-mile race.
So, when Ruffian was pulled up down the backstretch while battling eyeball to eyeball with Foolish Pleasure, it seemed at first surreal, and for a split second I thought Vasquez had simply eased her back off Foolish Pleasure and let him go because the pace was so brutal.
Whiteley watched the race with Janney and knew right away it was bad. He said he was too numb to think about anything except getting down to her. When he got to the track the guards wouldn’t let him on because the race was still ongoing and Foolish Pleasure hadn’t yet crossed the finish line. Veterinarian Jim Prendergast was at the gap and proceeded to drive Whiteley to his stricken filly on the backstretch. Whiteley could see right away the fracture was compound, and when he saw all the dirt ground in there, he told Janney later, “We haven’t got a shot.”
No one in the stands knew how serious the injury was and just saw Ruffian being loaded on to an ambulance. I went to sleep that night not knowing Ruffian’s fate. It wasn’t until the following morning that I heard on the radio that the great filly had been euthanized. It was so hard to accept. For me, the age of innocence in racing was over.
The best surgeons and veterinarians had quickly been called and assembled, including Dr. Alex Harthill and Dr. Edward Keefer, a cardiovascular surgeon at New York Hospital. Keefer was an innovator in his field, setting up the first transplant bank for human blood vessels, and was profiled in the New York Times Magazine. And even though he was not a veterinarian, he helped save the life of Hoist the Flag and devised the first artificial leg for a horse, the top-class sprinter Spanish Riddle. Keefer used to fox hunt with Cynthia Phipps, who knew about his miraculous work with Spanish Riddle. Phipps introduced him to her uncle, Stuart Janney, who said he would appreciate any help he could get with Ruffian’s surgery, and Keefer designed and built Ruffian’s cast.
Keefer made the cast and put it on her leg following the surgery, but she kicked it right off after coming out of anesthesia. She had been given tranquilizers, but they couldn’t control her for very long.
Ruffian had awakened from the anesthesia flailing her legs in all directions. Two men had to try to hold her down and keep her from re-injuring herself. Despite their efforts she threw the cast off and all that was left to do was operate again or put her out of her misery. Dr. Harthill called Janney, who was staying with the Phippses, and Janney told him, “Don’t let her suffer anymore.”
“It was unfortunate we were in a learning period at the time,” Keefer said prior to his death in 2000 at age 84. “Vets are really doing a hell of a job now and have improved tremendously in their knowledge and how to handle these catastrophic occurrences. As for Ruffian breaking the cast, the vets didn’t have the equipment and the drugs they have now. They have much better tranquilizers, and the anesthesia is more sophisticated.”
Later that night, Ruffian was buried in the infield at Belmont Park. There were only four people there – Whiteley, his foreman and right-hand man Mike Bell, Vasquez and Bill Rudy of the New York Post.
“They covered her up and Mike went down into the grave and put two blankets on her,” Whiteley recalled. “I was afraid the damn grave was going to cave in on him. The next day was tough, but what the hell, I had to go on. I never thought it would have the impact it has for so many years, but she was in a lot of people’s hearts.”
Ruffian’s grave remained a small speck in the vast Belmont infield with virtually no access for visitors for the next 48 years until a complete renovation of the track forced it to be moved to her place of birth, Claiborne Farm. People can now visit her and in many ways feel her presence, either for the first time or to relive that magical aura that emanated from her five decades earlier.
Even though so many years have passed, whenever a young filly bursts on the scene and does something spectacular, the same words can still be heard: “Could this be the next Ruffian?” It has become obvious by now that, like Secretariat, those are summits that will never be reached.
A half-century later, Ruffian, as Whiteley said, is still in a lot of people’s hearts, and there she will remain, forever equaling and breaking records; a powerful gust of wind that blew through the Sport of Kings all too briefly.
Author Walter Farley, in describing The Black Stallion, could easily have been describing Ruffian – “You’ve never in your life seen a horse run so fast! He’s all power–all beauty.”
That was Ruffian: All power–all beauty. And that is how she will always be remembered – as the song says, forever “dancin’ and a prancin’ ahead of them all.”
Photos courtesy of Steve Haskin, title artwork by Jaime Corum.
Racing historian, author, and award-winning retired journalist for the Daily Racing Form and The Blood-Horse, Steve Haskin was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame’s Media Roll of Honor in 2016. Known for his racing knowledge and insightful prose, he has been an exclusive contributor to Secretariat.com since 2020.
I got healed from MS using natural herbs from Onokunherbs.com
my dad and i were at that race what a sin ruffian had to be eutnanized
As incredible as it seems that race and tragedy was my introduction to horseracing. I was 10 years old watching it all on television. I had no prior awareness but the male vs female was a big sports deal back then. I remember seeing this huge black horse that never lost and didn’t give a damn that she was a girl and I wasnt and I was yelling for ruffian all the way. In my heart she’s still running in the lead.
I look for Gosford to have a good trip in the Haskell and find something extra in the stretch, he went fast early and hung on last time. I hope Irad Ortiz is back on him.
Cashless isn’t that hard to deal with, almost everybody has a bankcard or credit card, I’ll bet the people complaining below do, and they have machines where you can convert cash to prepaid cards. They still take cash at the windows. I’m sure they wouldn’t do it if it meant losing business.
Discopartner, thing is that many businesses charge a fee or a higher price for goods and services when a bank or credit card is used.
The banks charge the business a fee and that fee is passed on to the consumer. If one is withdrawing cash from an ATM other than their bank there is usually a fee for that transaction as well.
Also more fraud associated with cards than cash.
And Lynda—it’s Horse Racing…maybe someone does not want everything of a statement! lashi is “freedom”—-
Maybe Saratoga covers that cost. I just got a credit card add-on yesterday, so I know what you mean. They have reverse ATMs that take your cash and add to a card that you can use, but that wouldn’t be available at the gate. They may be worried about theft.
A few notes of west coast horses—Journalism and Goal Oriented and heading east on Tuesday, for The Haskell….This AM on the Mike Willman Show—Aaron Wellman said the plan is to run at Monmouth….then come back to California to run, and I’m fairly certain he means The Pacific Classic—which Nysos is being pointed towards…..RE another SoCal star—Sweet Azteca won’t be rematching in the San Bernardo, with Kopion….the plan for this beautiful grey mare is a trip to The Spa, for The Ballerina vs Ways and Means, Vahva and others….Sweet Azteca is worth the admission price, plus there’s this horse called Sovereignty—running vs Baeza—I’ll try to get out to see the Pacific Classic, and maybe you New Yorkers can go see Sovereignty and Sweet Azteca—-I heard you need to bring your debit/credit cards to Saratoga, they don’t accept cash? Sheesh….
(Rancho Bernardo)..
I hate when places don’t accept cash!
Thought i’d get back to Saratoga one of these days, despite the heat and humidity, but i think going cashless is a deal breaker for me.
Thanks for the tip about debit/credit cards at Saratoga, Matthew. I always carry them.
Matthew, Maymun has had three workouts now so in a month’s time or so he may race again.
That will be good to see—Maymun is closely related to Flightline! At least on the paternal side, (sire and dansire..)..
If you’re looking for a race to make you smile, check out the replay of Race 6 from yesterday (Friday the 11th) at Saratoga. Dr. Agne, son of Lady Eli and named for one of the veterinarians who helped save his dam, won at first asking after looking hopelessly beaten. Listen to the excited yells as he makes his bid for the lead!
Loved this one, arlingtonfan!
What is it about July? Tears for the human Dr. Agne, who was killed while riding his bike nearly ten years ago. He couldn’t be with Cherie and his widow, Carrie, to see the success of his amazing patient, or her son (and his namesake). Nothing will replace the man – for his family, clients, or patients – but what a beautiful legacy for an equine vet! “Ripple in still water, when there is no pebble tossed, nor wind to blow.” Our good work keeps giving to others after we are gone.
PS – $185K, out of a champion mare (exceptional!) and by Into Mischief. Who was snoozing on this colt when he sold?!! He looks like the real deal to me. That closing kick should be something else back on turf! Hope he keeps it going and does everybody proud!
I hope so too, Katy. Glad you got to see the race!
A couple of three year olds, whom I believe we haven’t seen the best of….1) Goal Oriented—I was very impressed, with his debut! They rushed him…..
2) Admiral Dennis—He flies way under the 3yo radar—I believe he has a huge upside….
After the Triple Crown. .we know who the top performers have been….time to prepare for the Summer races, The Jim Dandy and Travers, at Saratoga…The Haskell, at Monmouth….and The Pennsylvania Derby, at Parx—It may well be the same two dominating…but there might be some outliers, horses who missed the Triple Crown, (like Admiral Dennis), and horses who were hard pressed into the Triple Crown, (like Goal Oriented)….
Dr Fager flew into Hollywood Park on Thursday…won the Californian on Saturday and flew out on Sunday—he beat 13 horses by three lengths, carrying 130lbs—it was the biggest purse in the tracks history….
Steve, what would you do today if you found the photo of Whitely looking down at Ruffian’s legs?
David, I hope he’ll be better than Sky Mesa…..he’s doing very well with not great books of mares, and numbers at least half that of his peers
Reports of Mares Bred for this year are being leaked. Here’s hoping that HAP’s numbers increased
Betsy, with reference to Sky Masa, I mean being a quiet performer who consistently sires his fair share of stakes winners/performers. Sky Masa is close to 80 black type winners.
I want him to be better than that, though….we shall see
Well, this just delights me. Zenyatta’s first foal, Cozmic One, now 13 years old (does that make you feel old or what?), is at Old Friends and is pasture buddies with The Pizza Man, Illinois-bred winner of the Arlington Million!
He’s 13 already ? Where does the time go?
Aww, I’m glad he’s got a buddy!
Our parents used to drive us to the fairs, where they could play the ponies, while my brother and I would play that nickel Horse Race pinball game, withthe race caller! Horse Racong back in the mid 1960s—was the only legal gambling—We LOVED that pinball game! The horses were real names, of Raving lore….my Dad said “The greats always had great names, younger see a horse named “Bubble Gum” win the Derby–‘and it begs the question: Of all the great horses, with great names…..WHAT name is the greatest?…..My all time favorite name is Whirlaway..
A few other names I liked….Dark Mirage….Mairzy Doates….and Ack Ack, especially with Harry Henson barking his name—those two were meant for each other….
If I had to pick one favorite name, I’d probably say Native Dancer, but Ruffian is right up there, along with Proud Clarion and Believe You Can. I’m sure others will come to me as I mull the question over.
Re your favorite, one summer a squirrel kept visiting my balcony. I ended up naming him Squirlaway!
Ruffian is a great name!..
David, it’s just right on top of APK, which hurts even more.
One of my HAP buddies on another board keeps saying that it’s no big deal, I can watch Romeo’s ME races (assuming they’re aired on big days like DWC), but …it’s not the sr thing at all. ME season is a few months – then nothing. It’s not the same thing as a full campaign here, where I can follow him, and yes, where his earnings would help HAP (who will need that given his tiny foal crops in the next two years)
And, he’ll eventually go to stud in the ME – a black hole, where no one will hear from him again
I’m happy for her that she’s happy, but ugh….this hurts. Even if HAP has another hood baby, it will keep hurting
I appreciate your kindness…I’m sorry to be so upset
Betsy, I did a little research on Romeo.
It sounds like Mahmud Moni is the purchasing agent for a newly formed racing group of 5 people from Libya named Tagermeen Racing. Mr Moni has made several purchases for Tagernmeen Racing over the past few months including a filly by Tiz The Law.
Per Mr Moni the colt will be going to Steve Assmusen with goal of the Breeder’s Cup and then to the Middle East over the winter and next spring.
He is a very handsome colt and I can see why you like him so much.
Lynda, thanks…
I’m just not going to read anything about the sale – it hurts too much
I do love Romeo, but I love all HAPs. I’m just upset (putting it mildly) because not only won’t I get to see him run, but because it’s another loss for HAP
Romeo is stunning. The official photo of him for the same did not do him justice at all….HAP really stamps his get; most of them have big, beautiful blazes !
Betsy based on what the buyer agent said it sounds like he will be in United States through the Breeders Cup.
Likely he will go to the Saudi and Dubai carnivals after that and perhaps tackle win and in for 2026 Derby.
Middle East connections usually race past 3.
Tagermeen sounds like just racing organization. Would not be too bothered at this point he will retire to stud duties in the Midfle East. My concern would be Libya when that day comes. If he is a graded stakes winner a possibility he might be acquired by Japan or Godolphin, or by a breeder in Australia.
Only time will tell on that of course.
Lynda, I’m kind of done being so upset …it’s exhausting, lol
One of my HAP friends thinks it’s very likely that Romeo returns to the States – either for TC or sprinting ….and stays…because there are no alternatives. The guy seems like he wants to race – and once the ME season is over, the only place to come with very American pedigrees (not just Romeo) is …HERE
I hope she’s right
And, you’re right – it’s really way too early to worry about his stallion career !
Betsy, there some positives within your sadness. The phenomenal selling price for Romeo, and his racing achievements thus far,will be an absolute fillip for Honor A.P. In the breeding shed.
I’d be very surprised if bookings for Honor A. P. next year haven’t doubled already and more so if Romeo keeps winning.
As well, Steve Asmussen will have quite an influence on where the colt goes, if Asmussen advises the connections the you have a real chance of winning the Kentucky Derby with Romeo I doubt they’ll ship him overseas.
So, keep hoping Romeo keeps winning all is not lost.
David, I didn’t allow myself to really enjoy the sales price, so now I kind of am – it is mind blowing. I do think HAP has started to emerge from the cloud that his sire has cast upon him, though I don’t think he’ll ever be a sire who brings big yearling or 2 year old prices (Romeo is different because he’s a proven talent)
I do think HAP will definitely attract more mares next season, but mostly because he’s had a good year, and shown he can get a good horse. I’m not sure how much Romeo’s sales price will affect that number
That’s a good point!
And I’ll be honest, if Romeo doesn’t want go long, I’m not sure there’s be a point in sending him to the ME br sure there’s no big race for 3 year old sprinters
Steve trains Obliteration also – it will be interesting to see how he handles both
As they say, Betsy, it’s all up to him now. It’s so difficult these days for young sires to establish themselves, the fashion is to attract a massive number of mares early on in the hope that some progeny achieve black type early.
Honor A.P. might be a consistent sire like Sky Mesa.
Steve you’re right, about match races….most are anti climactic, Seabiscuit/War Admiral being the most historic—Nashua/Swaps should not have been run—there was that Chris Evert/Miss Musket 100 length debacle….I guess there were a few good ones…Seabiscuit/Ligaroti…and Convenience/Typrcast—but I prefer, a “match race” within a race, like we had the other day with Sweet Azteca and Kopion….there WAS a sense of foreboding that afternoon, even before it happened, when he got in front early—and Vasquez was driving her to the lead….July 6th—-that’s a personal day for me—I had my heart attack on July 6th, 2017—42 years to the day we lost our Shooting Star….
Wow, Romeo went for $1.7 million! Love to see it!
Praying he went to good connections – in the States!
Betsy, Mahmud Mouni usually buys for Middle Eastern interests. Sometimes they race in the US for a while though. -Dubai World Cup the main target.
David, I’m just done. I refuse to get further attached to a horse who will disappear after this year…I’ll never get to see him race here, not consistently, nor stand stud here
I just can’t have nice things
🤬🤬😭😭😭😭
Oh, and this is devastating for HAP. APK is gone, now Romeo….with tiny foal crops in At least the next two seasons,, it hurts him badly
Betsy, wait and see. Romeo may stay in the US for an attempt at the Kentucky Derby. Apparently, through TDN, Romeo is going to Steve Asmussen initially for the Breeders’ Cup this year but the main aim is for Saudi Arabia next year and THEN possibly the Derby in Dubai.
David, he’s not staying – after his season ends, it’s off to ME…where, let’s face it, he’s going to remain forever (except for possibly a Derby run)
I’m sick to my stomach – I honestly don’t give a flying frog now. I need to protect myself from further 💔- and I can only do that by not caring anymore
What’s worse is that CRK were the under bidders
Betsy, I wish CRK Stables had won the bid. I know exactly how you feel though. You fall in love with a certain horse then, for whatever reason, your favorite is taken away.
That’s why I followed the breeding side of racing so intently. Your love/interest lives on. I’m so sad for you.
One more thing, about D Wayne….his first graded stakes win (for Thoroughbreds) was Effervescing, one of the most beautiful horses I’ve ever seen….in The American Handicap, on turf……Wayne’s SECO D graded stakes win wasfive days later, in The Citation, on dirt—-with Effervescimg…..
Steve, as I wrote last week, you were setting us up for heartbreak. You assured me that the article would not be graphic, and you were true to your word and thank you for that. But my heart still broke (again), and I have tears in my eyes, and I’m not really a cryer. I think every time I’ve watched a race held in Belmont Park, (on TV, never been there), I always looked for that flagpole and the little hedge, and thought “there she is, going to the finish line”. There’s a beautiful picture of her on my wall and I look at it and think of her often.
Beth, some days, I think that there’s no way that filly of the largest heart won’t break ours too. Every time. But when I think more about it, it just makes me feel that what I felt as a child is still a true thing. I just wanted a show jumping mare (maybe broke down maybe Irish that I could find and help — and that I would throw my heart over the fences, and we could fly together. That’s what Ruffian makes me remember. 🙂
Angela, that’s a beautiful way to look at it.
Tears. No words.
David, no one is trying to argue that it’s not a big thing world wide – but it’s just not a fixation in the US…it’s.just not a thing at all
I don’t think this is worth arguing about, TBH
Betsy, I think you are misunderstanding why I mentioned the story. Who’s arguing? It’s a tiny story in itself but the world press picked up the story 2 years back because it has so many intriguing and strange elements to it.
The murderer in a small country village collects an assortment of Death Cap mushrooms- fast dries them, shreds them in preparation for murderous intent, then discards the machine into a local rubbish tip which, ridiculously, can be so easily recovered by the police.
The murderer invites her estranged husband and his family over to have Beef Wellington with here as she, falsely, tells them she has just been diagnosed with having cancer.
Each serving of Beef Wellington is served on different colored plates so the murderer knows which plate is safe for her to consume.
The murderer sits there eating the safe Beef Wellington while watching the last rites of her detested ‘in-laws.’ Revenge.
Moreover, the murderer has a unique, somewhat villainous face and features, that add further to the intrigue.
There are all these elements that fit the plot of a Christiesque story and why the story has been followed by the major press the world over. Will she be caught or get off…
I mean, that’s sick -I hope she gets the maximum punishment possible!
David’s I think I heard the jury found her guilty? I believe she will meet her Maker–I believe we all will….she’sgot some ‘splainin’ to do!….-
Matthew, they have a month to appeal the verdict, which is probable. The awful thing is that there are two young children, around 16 and 12, who have to live through this.
As always your writings reign supreme. I could not finish this read though. Tears welled up in my eyes & chills went up my spine. I never want to relive that day, never again.
Maybe I am being too melodramatic but something in me died that day.
Horse racing is the epitome of the highest highs & the lowest lows.
I imagine Steve that writing this piece was difficult for you as well.
What the immortal Ruffian did in her short career is breath taking.
I really respect those horsemen that love their horses & are not just in this game just for the money.
These beautiful elegant creatures deserve much better then humans give many of them.
I have only 4 pictures of my equine heroes (horses) on my office wall
Ruffian, Dr. Fager, Swaps & Majestic Prince.
Have a great July Steve………………..
Hello Deacon
I felt the same, just could not relive that day, I tried to read it, just could not get through it.
And that’s how I remember her now, Steve. Thank you.
….”and Hangover Heaven SOBERS UP at the eighth pole!”…..(Saratoga yesterday…)…
My brother reminded me of the Sunday after….we were folding our newspapers…Dad always drove us, on Sundays….our little sis delivered our street pulling her wagon and she porched her customer’s Sunday papers….the sports page already had the bad news about Ruffian’s demise—there was no way she was going to tolerate a cast—I wonder if they could have tried the “Seaps Sling”?….where they were able to hold him above ground….but that Sunday morning was a rough one, for this 16 year old horseball……she had NOTHING to prove, and it was early, in her career—she never got to grow into her massive frame..
(Swaps Sling..)..
Matthew W, Ruffian thrashed around as she was coming out of surgery and had a reaction from the anesthesia. I doubt a sling would have helped.
Horses do have reactions to anesthesia, even the ones used today. Cannot recall the named of the young Thoroughbred who died recently as a result of a reaction to it.
You might recall that Barbaro was hoisted in a sling a into swimming pool after his surgery. Several University Equine Medical centers use that method other than Penn State.
Geaux Rocket Ride. I had so much hope that they could save him. He was my pick of that crop.
Thank you Katy. Yes it was GRR.
Horses often react to anesthesia in a variety of ways. My Vet only gives just enough to sedate for a procedure.
Standing fracture and colic surgery reduces the amount of anesthesia and recovery reactions.
Ruffian was also “high strung”….it was a longshot, no pun intended…..Barbato—I think the 23 screw surgery was successful….but did he develop laminitis, from lack of exercise, or something like that?…THAT one was tough to take….they all are, really..
Hey Matthew W, yes Barbaro had healed from the surgery on his fractured leg. The laminitis set in on the weight bearing legs (the front as I recall). Mrs Jackson decided to not put him through any more pain.
Laminitis is not unusual in horses that are stalled for long periods of time. I think Barbarob was walked outside before that, saw photos.
There are so many reasons for laminitis hard to say if Barbaro’s was thd result of lengthy confinement to a stall.
The Player had a similar fracture but he had a different disposition. He had the odd
habit of sitting down on his haunches that took weight off his front legs. He healed,
was returned home and has bred a few mares. He was in the University of Louisiana, where the surgery was performed for a long time, at least 6 months if not longer. Ed had an infectioned to set in around a couple of screws to hold the plate in place which set him back.
Barbaro broke my heart, but as you said they all do. The younger ones especially. Always sad when older ones die from old age but understandable.
I cried for two days when Harve de Grace died from foaling complications. She fought so hard to live and take care of her foal who survived.
Jaimie’s painting of Ruffian is exceptionally beautiful and poignant. The corner of one of the two red blankets she was covered with before she was buried at Belmont was visible when she was moved to Claiborne.
Eventhough it still hurts to think about her, there is comfort knowing she is back home where she was born and she now runs as fast as she wants to across the Bluegrass of Kentucky.
How appropriate that this column would be posted on the 50th anniversary of the match race (and maybe the anniversary of Ruffian’s death–I don’t know whether she died before or after midnight). I too am glad that her remains were moved to the farm where she was born and grew up. Claiborne’s cemeteries are a virtual Who’s Who of racing. Secretariat is there, along with Ruffian’s grandfather Bold Ruler, her great-grandfather Nasrullah, Buckpasser, Swale, Mr. Prospector, Unbridled, and many, many others. Probably Ruffian’s parents, who lived at Claiborne, are there, too. It’s only right that she should join them, and I understand that the Hancocks were delighted to have her. That’s one good aspect of a very tragic story.
She had less than two weeks rest before the match race.
David, Romeo is being sold at the upcoming sale for horses of racing age! He should bring a nice price…
As my friend said, this will show is what the market thinks of Romeo & HAP
Betsy, I mentioned that when I was replying to your post down below. Hopefully, Romeo ends up at a good home.
In case you have been following the Mushroom Lady on Trial she has been found guilty of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
No more Beef Wellington on the family menu. lol.
It’s on the front page of the New York Times if you don’t know the story. Everyone can’t wait for the mini series.
David, I hope so – now I’m going to worry about him going overseas!
I saw the end of the Prix Jean Prat – I was like, who IS the winner? Love that he’s a grandson of Wootton Basset!
I hope so! I’m not sure how good Fort Nelson is, but to be fair to him, he was off for a long time
I never heard of the Mushroom Lady – but I hope she gets the appropriate punishment (she could never hurt me – I HATE mushrooms, lol)
Betsy, the Death Cap Mushroom 🍄 addition to the Beef Wellington story has been news around the world. There is a mini series being made right now.
The story has captured the world’s interest because it’s so bizarre. The New York Times has been obsessed with the story.
I’m not keen on Beef Wellington at all. Ha ha
David, it’s not news in the States……granted, I never watch the news because I’m tired of hearing depressing things, but that story isn’t even showing up on my Twitter feed
By far the biggest story here are the Texas floods, and the missing/dead (adults, teenage counselors and little girls)….
Betsy, the decision was on the front page of The New York Times and The Washington Post. I read The New York Times and the UK Guardian daily. Moreover, it was the leading news on the BBC when the verdict was announced.
The story has been covered for 2 years now.
I’m just saying it’s not news here despite two huge newspapers covering it. Even if it’s mentioned at all, no one cares – we have an enormous tragedy ongoing, so that’s what people care about…..no matter what the NYT and WaPo do
BBC has nothing to do with the US, as you know…
I’m an American, so I think I can tell you what matters most to us. It wasn’t even trending on Twitter before the Texas floods – it’s definitively not now
At least 82 have died – including over 20 little girls around 7-8 years old, and teen counselors who died trying to save them. That’s not counting those who are missing. That’s the only news story that’s important here right now
Davids, I’m with Betsy on this one. I never heard of it, either.
Betsy and Jiffy, just search ‘New York Times – Mushroom Murder’ the macabre Shakespearean like plot/drama will come up and explain why there has been a world fixation on the story.
Betsy and Davids, today July 07, is the anniversary of the subway bombings in London. 56 people lost their lives and 786 injured and vividly recall the attack.
I think most everyday we hear or read about some tragedy or the anniversary of some event in every aspect of our lives.
The situation in Texas is especially heartbreaking and in addition the tropical depression that came inland has created havoc in North Carolina that is still recovering from Helene last October.
If either of you have X or Facebook, follow racing social media and so forth, there are many beautiful tributes to Ruffian (today is the day she was put down).
Lynda, I vaguely remember that….there are too many of these events TO remember, sadly
It’s right in the middle of hurricane season, so I’m afraid there will be more where Chantal came from..,it’s scary. I live in Florida now, and it’s just a reality of life. I hope everyone in NC is ok
I am on Twitter, barely on FB..,,I haven’t seen anything on Ruffian, but I’m going to search…although it’s incredibly to read about.
Thank you, Lynda, for mentioning the date of Ruffian’s death. As I noted above, I never knew whether it was the 6th or the 7th.
Lynda, I’m not sure if you have access to Disney+ but there is an excellent series “Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes” about how the London Police mistakenly killed an innocent Brazilian electrician who had the misfortune of living in the same apartment block as one of the suspects of those who arranged the July 7 bombing.
The series was released in late April, 2025. Sorry, I’m not on X or Facebook.
Betsy I cannot reply to your comment to me below so have to do it here.
My Daughter and her family moved to Florida in 2012 (inland from Dayton Beach).
When they first moved there I was concerned about the hurricanes but to their credit the state of Florida is very efficient in preparing for them and evacuating. I learned that firsthand in 2018 while I was volunteering with Fleet of Angels to organize evacuation of horses, farm animals, pets to safe havens in other states (also a function of FOA).
Quite often these hurricanes do come into neighboring states like Georgia, South and North Carolina and create devastation and result in loss of life.
The takeaway if we live in these areas that are vulnerable to these natural disasters is to be aware, have a plan, be prepared to evaluate or take shelter.
Usually the projected path of a hurricane, though it can change direction as Helene did, allows time to take the needed actions.
Tornados, flat wind thunderstorms and flash floods unfortunately come up so quickly that sometimes a few minutes is all one has.
Lynda, that’s so true. I’m afraid that often people don’t take the warnings seriously & evacuate because they’ve been through times where the hurricanes shifted path, & they think that this time is no different. It’s always better to be safe than sorry
💯💯
Occasionally we get tornadoes in SF – & without basements, it’s especially important to have a plan. Figure out where the best place in your house is to be and hunker down
Hello Davids, Jiffy, Betsy, Matthew W.
Seem to have run out of replies
Jiffy you are most welcome on the date for Ruffian.
Betsy, just a quick update on my D and G’s travels. They arrived in Greece several days ago. Met a really nice group of people from all over the world and went out to dinner with the group. Ones in the group have the same interest in art and the antiquities as she does. I have just never had as much appreciation for Greek Art other than the vases. Not sure where they are off to after Greece. Possibly home on the 17th or perhaps more days in Greece or maybe one more country. I will know when she posts photos, LOL.
Davids, I enjoy mysteries and watch several series filmed in England on PBS. Do not have Disney nor do I subscribe to the NYT. I am curious about the mushrooms though and will check it out. Most mini series eventually make their way to Amazon Prime or PBS if a mystery.
There is an upcoming PBS special produced by Ken Burns on the Ametrcan Revolution as a lead up to the 250th Anniversary of Independence Day, July 4, 2026. Mr Burns was recently filming on location in my old stomping grounds, Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown.
Hi Lynda, I’ve watched most of Ken Burns’ productions with “The Civil War” arguably his best.
Apparently, all the major streaming services are vying for the rights of the “Mushroom Murderer” story.
As you say, the mushroom murderer story is a mystery providing a fascinating distraction for many around the world from the major tragedies that occur regularly, everywhere.
Davids, in my opinion Ken Burns is brilliant.
All of his productions have been a success.
In addition to “The Civil War” I enjoyed the “National Parks” and Country Music”.
You might not be a fan of Country Music but I highly recommend the series.
It is very enlightening as to how it evolved and all the influences.
Example: the mandolin instrument has its roots in a similar instrument from Africa.
Lynda, I completed a few music units at university and a major textbook was “American Music: A Panorama” – Lorenzo Candelaria and Daniel Kingman (now up to it’s 5th Edition) which was simply fabulous to read.
The book parallels all the various streams and how they influenced each other from: jazz, blues and rock; gospel and classical; hip hop and Latin; folk and country. In themselves, uniquely reflecting the character of the United States.
Basically, the book explains the history and musical traditions of the many immigrants who ventured onto America’s shores. Fascinating book.
Haunting photograph of Ruffian, Steve, I just can’t read again about the tragedy.
Sat up all that night hoping for good news after the race…. Thank you for honoring her again
Steve, thanks for the beautiful remembrances. I was struck by what Frank Whiteley said about beating Forego-did you ever ask him about that after he became Forego’s trainer the following year? Hi from the Pioneer Bus stop at Flatlands Ave & Ave J
The line “For me, the age of innocence in racing was over” captures exactly how I felt about that day. I am glad that her grave has been moved to Claiborne.
I was 10. I remember it so well. It still breaks my heart. Thank you for writing this beautiful tribute.
I tried to read this but tears just kept blurring the beautifully crafted words you wrote Steve.
The last four paragraphs say what I feel in my heart for Ruffian.
Thank you.
Steve, your sense of foreboding and ultimate loss of innocence in regard to racing added a new layer to the story. We sometimes, especially while young, fall headlong into situations. That is how it should and must be, but at some point we come to hold back a little because the consequences can be so painful. Joy sometimes isn’t free.
Steve, that was beautiful. Good lord, what a stunning filly she was – almost black.
I’m glad she’s at Claiborne – it just feels like home- instead of all alone at Belmont
When Landaluce came around, how good did you think she could be?
Thank you for this brilliant series!
Betsy, did you see that Romeo has been added to the Fasig-Tipton July HORA Sales?
Wooded, a Group 1 winning speedy son of Wootton Bassett, sired his first Group 1 winner today when Woodshauna took took the Group 1, Prix Jean Prat at 7f at Deauville.
I’m hoping that Fort Nelson, a full brother to Lake Avenue, could be Bernardini’s latest hope of passing on his line. He was impressive winning the other day.