Ruffian
2007Ruffian 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.
Acted in
Sam Shepard
as Frank Whiteley
Frank Whaley
as Bill Nack
Laura Bailey
as Cassie
Nicholas Pryor
as Stuart Janney
Christine Belford
as Barbara Janney
Mathew Greer
as Dan Williams
Louis Herthum
as Dr. Harthill
John McConnell
as Tony Pappas
Michael Harding
as LeRoy Jolley
Stuart Greer
as Dan Lasater
Jon Stafford
as Dr. Pendergrast
David Dwyer
as Dick Sandler
Bill Flynn
as Elder Reporter
Keith Flippen
as Dinny Phipps
Jerry Leggio
as Lucien Laurin
Vladimir Diaz
as Jacinto Vásquez
Joel Santiago
as Vincent Bracciale
Francisco Torres
as Braulio Baeza
Gary McKillips
as Jack
Mark Adam
as Mike Bell
Lisa Arnold
as Female Sports Reporter #2
Barry Barton
as News Reporter
Tony Bentley
as The Lout
John T. Billingsley
as News Camera Man
Dodie Brown
as Match Race Fan
Craig Clary
as Race Fan
Dave Cohen
as NYC TV Reporter
Mellinda Craig
as High Class Racetrack Patron
Kip Cummings
as Reporter / Race Fan
John F. Daniel
as Saratoga Race Fan
John S. Davies
as CBS Exec.
Tony Devon
as Howie Whitford
Phillip DeVona
as NYRA President
Jean-Claude Dolese
as News Reporter / Spectator
Jason Douglas
as Security Guard
Owl Martin Dwyer
as Horse Stable Worker
J.D. Evermore
as Saratoga Bettor
Chris Freihofer
as Saratoga Guy