Ruffian (film)

*Ruffian*
Ruffian
Written by	Jim Burnstein; Garrett K. Schiff
Directed by	Yves Simoneau
Starring	Sam Shepard; Laura Bailey; Frank Whaley; Nicholas Pryor; Christine Belford
Music by	Lawrence Shragge
Original language	English
Production
Producers	Orly Adelson; Kimberly C. Anderson
Cinematography	David Franco
Editor	Michael D. Ornstein
Running time	89 minutes
Production company	ESPN Films
Original release
Network	ABC
Release	June 9, 2007

Ruffian is a 2007 American television film 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.

Quick facts Written by, Directed by ...

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.

Ruffian was first broadcast on June 9, 2007 on the ABC television network. The DVD was released on June 12, 2007.

Previously, ESPN Classic had broadcast a special on July 6, 2000 to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the death of Ruffian.^[1]

This movie is also one of Laura Bailey's only major live action roles.

Cast