Bill Nack is interviewed about Ruffian

[@unseelie63]

I didn't watch another live horse race until American Pharaoh's finally stretch drive in the Belmont,and only because someone else in the house was watching it and screaming HE'S WINNING,HE'S WINNING!,and the 37 year drought was over.Seeing Ruffian break down was too much.I was 12,I was a kid,and it was the first time I'd seen a horse suffer an injury that would lead to euthanasia.She was so beautiful,she was so special,and then she was gone.

[@mikeyates7931]

But never forgotten ❤

[@maybebaby9211]

I can’t think of it without feeling heartache. Bless her heart.

[@piperdawn7]

Bill Nack speaks of Ruffian with tears n his eyes the whole time. Made me cry too.

[@juliehertz8768]

I love hearing Bill talk about Secretariat and Ruffian, the King and Queen of horse racing. She was so beautiful and such a will to win. Fortunately good things came out of her early death. 1) When a horse is coming out of surgery its done in a pool so it can't injure itself 2) they built a state of the art vet center at Belmont. I'm so glad they buried her at Belmont with her nose facing the finish line .She was in first, she would have won. Its been 40 years and she will always be Queen.RIP.

[@elyceellington9470]

That is a fantasy that perpetuates death and dying. This is not a nice dream for the horse. This type of breakdown occurs ever week.

[@kirstenrollins2130]

+elyce ellington My mom and dad sometimes took me to the races and I didn't think much about the horses. I picked the cutest names to bet (they bet for me) not knowing anything. It all seemed fun. Now I am seeing the industry for what it is.. Barbaric.. I am sure the industry knows that but does not care. They don't care about the horses as much as they say they do. I want lie detector tests put on them. They only care cause they see $$$$ signs.

[@daraharvey4519]

Thank you for focusing on the positive. I hate to see all the focus going to the tragedy of her death. She lived such a life, wish we could have had her with us longer, but I think she deserves more than to be treated as synonymous with her death. Her final 12 hours need not overshadow like it does.

[@Mcdonald-ly9jn]

julie hertz let's not forget barbaro either or the rest

[@juliehertz8768]

9083393204 Mcdonald i agree to many super talented beautiful horses died way to young.😢

[@cindyhorn5786]

Loved Secretariat. Now also love Ruffian. First time I’ve heard of her.

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

I'm so glad I have Bill Nack telling me how the history I witnessed firsthand went down.

[@RobertDeMartin]

Thank you Bill for presenting such a riveting account of what happened to Ruffian. I'm old enough to remember that fateful day and, like you, have never gotten over what tragically occurred the day of the match race. I'm man enough to admit tears started flowing down my cheeks as I listened to you emotionally describe the enormity of what happened that day. Bouncing out of the gate; pigeons startling her just for a second; just a bad step; running against a very fast colt....Who knows? In my heart I will always believe she would have won the race.

[@mikeyates7931]

That's a lovely thought ❤

[@bertmustin]

"Here came Foolish Pleasure going 40 mph.." The speed these 1100 pound animals can run is incredible.

[@knk4ever83]

thank you, Bill Nack for your caring and generous heart.

[@alesianelson7584]

He drove her to death. A horse that age isn't developed enough to carry a rider let alone be pushed to that athletic level.

[@RG-5834]

I could not watch this without crying, without question the saddest horseracing story I have ever heard. Ruffian was the most stunning and graceful filly, and yet had the most amazing speed!

[@pawsitivepotential4792]

Queen of the Fillies would have brought it home all the way, no doubt in my mind. R.I.P. Beautiful Lady.

[@larrylomascolo6289]

I watch this often,but not the breakdown,it puts tears in my eyes every time, she was a champion, super filly,

[@aprilosborn1886]

I read a biography book when I was a kid and Ruffian was running on her floppy broken leg the jockey couldn't stop her, I cried soo many times, she was beautiful and not a quitter

[@theearl1477]

Bill Nack was the ambassador of horse racing. I too wish I had the privilege of sitting down with him just to listen to his great stories. His work on Secretariat was tremendous. To this day him winning the Belmont to win the Triple Crown was the greatest single achievement I have ever seen for any athlete. Sadly we were denied what could have been one of the greatest match races in the racing history. Ruffian and Bill RIP.

[@CajunAdrienne]

Heart breaking! What a beautiful horse and so young!

[@garysimms6412]

Her presence alone was unbelievable, why she took that bad step we'll never know we can only speculate.. rest in peace precious girl. Ruffian.❤️

[@cindyrobertson3780]

I think it was the birds that spooked her or she tried too much too soon

[@catherineshinn7125]

When Ruffian left the starting gate, she hit her left shoulder hard before straightening herself. Her trainer, Frank Whiteley Jr. believed that is what caused her to break down... His theory was that when she bumped the starting gate, it caused her to bear all her weight on her right side, which ultimately caused her to break her right foreleg.

[@barbarascotto3873]

She "took that bad step" because greedy people bred her sire and dam, knowing they were both weak boned. Reviewer broke down three times during his racing career and eventually was euthanized from a broken leg, as well as Shenanigans. People are assholes.

[@genlovell4662]

@@barbarascotto3873she was kind of reckless and stubborn and smart. I think she didn’t care if she broke down because she didn’t want to be a broodmare or face racing anymore and living in a stall any longer.

[@barbarascotto3873]

@@genlovell4662 I'll agree with that! It's a horrific life.

[@lired70]

Bless you Bill for trying to help this animal. She was elegant!

[@alesianelson7584]

He pushed that filly to the point of death. Bones of equids aren't strong enough to carry a rider let alone be pushed to that point.

[@13ghosts]

Mr Nack and Ruffian met up in heaven, all peace and no pain. R.I.P 2 u both historians ❣️

[@mottthehoople684]

I was 13 at the time of tbis race...I could still cry if I looked at the footage of Ruffian breaking down....I lost a piece of my heart that day .....she was favorite horse.

[@dennischanay7781]

This was gut wrenching. I was 10 years old and watched this happen live. Heartbreaking 😢

[@davyhookbones]

I was hot walking for john Campo & Chester Ross at the time besides my regular job & I used to watch her work early morning in the dark/dawn & I never saw a 2yr old that fast in my life I emptied my pockets on her-her 1st race & I always made sure to see her everyday I worked - she was A LIVING FLAME a gift to Mankind from GOD, & on that fateful day with tears in my eyes crying like a baby w/great anguish & hurt in my soul, I believe GOD decided to take HER back home to him. I miss Her more now than even during that sadness waiting all night by Dr Reeds hospital. R.I.P. Gorgous ! Ur the greatest then & now Al Smith

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

That 4-1 she paid in her debut was amazing.

[@lyndakoers1389]

I have a photo of her, head on coming down the track. I had it enlarged . Another great Race filly, Go For Wand. 8 Bells. And I saw Ruffians race that day. Also saw Go for wand go down. Strange thing; when Ruffians left the gate, I knew she wouldn't finish.

[@alesianelson7584]

Gift to mankind and allowed to suffer by the greed of man.

[@RobertDeMartin]

Sadly, just found out Bill passed away April 13, 2018. This interview will live forever and Bill's name will always be associated with Ruffian's life story.

[@alesianelson7584]

He pushed that horse to destruction. Doubt he's ever pushed past his breaking point and excruciating pain. This industry is disgusting. I came in hoping to be a jockey, was an exercise rider and groom and saw horrible things. After educating myself I learned about how backwards this sport is.

[@BeveC21E]

I've just found out today, April 11, 2022. A great reporter and storyteller. He helped immortalized our beloved Secretariat. Thank you!

[@RobertDeMartin]

@@BeveC21E And Ruffian, too, Beverly. She is buried at Belmont Park.

[@BeveC21E]

@@RobertDeMartin I agree, Mr. DeMartin. Thank you

[@HunterJumper-sf8cb]

@@RobertDeMartinshe’s buried at Claiborne farms now

[@turtleonahottinroof8734]

I started a comment on why euthanasia should have been choice one, but I don't have the stomach for it. Bill Nack's beautiful book, Ruffian: A Racetrack Romance, should be the final word on this tragedy. My heart broke that day in July, too, and his passing made it break all over again. 🖖🐢

[@jewelswenson2665]

We love you Ruffian and Bill Nack

[@steventesta6782]

Can't believe it's been 45 years. I can remember listening to the match race on the radio as a kid. RIP ruffian and the great bill knack.

[@chriss9564]

I remember this. I'm crying all over again.

[@melissa007ish]

This is tough to watch. Bill and Ruffian were both great.

[@MrTrackman100]

I saw Ruffian run/win at Saratoga. And on TV her last race. "A thing of beauty is a joy forever"--John Keats. Ruffian!

[@MT-if1jr]

Ruffian was Secretariat’s niece. She should NEVER HAD run this race. Her vet missed a hairline fracture and she only had14 days rest from her last race. Human greed!! The owners killed her. Her trainer did NOT want to race her. So sad! I saw the race and I cried.

[@potstrond]

Such a magnificent filly. Larger than life. What a pity it ended too soon.

[@gwenhafford4112]

I remember watching the match race on tv. I loved Ruffian. She was beautiful and so regal. Ruffian is missed and thought of very often. ❤ Who knows what could have been?

[@RosannaMahon]

Interesting fact: Ruffian never wore shoes during workouts

[@daraharvey4519]

It's water under the bridge now, but I wish she'd never been put in that race. She had nothing more to prove to anyone. Selling it as a women's rights thing, that had nothing to do with Ruffian.

[@spaz5138]

I was mind blown when this magnificent filly broke down🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😱😱😱😰😰😨😨😭😭😭😭😢😢😢😢🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@JohnWilliams-sq7cj]

The great Bill Nack, Master horseman and a wealth of knowledge.

[@keithhasperg5716]

William Nack is like the Carl Sagan of horse racing, IMO. He unravels its poetic mysteries to the masses. Wish all the Derby contenders a safe trip tomorrow. We love you no matter where you finish!!

[@glennhenson6495]

Oh my, well said........

[@christinematton4125]

So true !

[@patriciahooker9547]

Saddest day of my life cried so hard when she broke down

[@BeveC21E]

Loved her and how could we not? The Lord giveth and the Lord takes back. We won't forget her. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Ruffian! We loved her, very much! 💕

[@myroselle6987]

Beautifully said…

[@afwr209]

Such a beautiful telling of a tragedy. I"ve lost my spark for racing several times over the years. It's always come back but the dread always follows it.

[@equinegirl369]

Ruffian would have made a wonderful broodmare if she hadn't broken her leg. Ruffian had amazing stamina, beauty, and courage.

[@jm1657]

Ruffian now permanently rests at Claiborne Farm in Kentucky, the place of her birth. (Also, incidentally, it’s where Secretariat rests). Her remains were relocated in Summer 2023, necessary due to massive renovations begun at Belmont Park & racetrack. The only other horse buried at Belmont Park, “Timely Writer”, has also been relocated. He’s at an Old Friends site in Kentucky. He was a very popular 3-yr-old stretch runner & the Favorite in 1982’s Jockey Club Gold Cup. During that race he broke down, sadly prompting a four-horse pileup that also took the life of Johnny Dance, a 4-yr-old colt. (No jockeys were injured, remarkably.)

[@GBeret83]

Ruffian is the one filly, in my opinion, that both modern day superstar filly/mares would have found it very difficult to try and beat. Standing at 17 hands, with BLAZING front running speed, that make's Ruffian nearly as big as Zenyatta in size, and much bigger than Rachel Alexandra. This is the one filly that Zenyatta's late closing kick would find hard to run down, if she even could, and that would destroy Rachel Alexandra on the front end of a race. If the three had been able to race. TJMO.

[@nobodysbaby5048]

She came out of the gate wholehearted-every time. Hard to beat that.

[@joantonini7102]

💔💔💔❤❤😂😂😂🙏🙏🙏

[@BeveC21E]

Yes. Those 3 mares would go down as 'legends'! Love all 3 ❤ ❤ ❤

[@Harlowswatermelon]

She was not actually 17hh she was 16.2hh but zenyatta Was and is 17hh

[@francessweeney2308]

The irony of this tragedy is that it has led to advances in training for vets, jockeys, trainers and grooms. The belief in the 70s was that it was safer to have the horse wake up fully before attempting to stand it up. What is now done is to hoist the horse, hooded into a recovery pool, hold it on the hoist then reverse the anaesthetic. This way, as the horse comes round, its less likely to panic as its already standing up.

[@alesianelson7584]

Advancements made because the suffering and destruction of an animal pushed past it's breaking point due to age and greed of others.

[@spaz5138]

And bill thank you for trying to help this magnificent filly bless your heart

[@dougcheedie1829]

great reporter love his insight well just knows how to talk about horses thanks

[@nola73]

Beautiful gorgeous majestic ..The most amazing creature God has graced us with. You will never be forgotten. #RUFFIAN

[@marysueeasteregg]

RIP, Bill Nack. Wish I could have met you and talked racing.

[@alesianelson7584]

He drove poor Ruffian to death. Horses that young are not ready to carry a rider let alone compete at that level.

[@timlawson8013]

Every time I watch this I tear up, Mr.nack did a great description !

[@kirstenrollins2130]

+tim lawson You would not have to tear up if this barbaric treatment of these beautiful horses were to stop. STOP pretending like you care!!

[@daraharvey4519]

Kirsten, so, Tim Lawson apparently "doesn't care" because he doesn't share your point of view? Don't jump to conclusions about people you don't even know. I love horses and understand where you're coming from, but you're only hurting your cause by acting like this.

[@timlawson8013]

Thank you dara,ruffian will always have a place in my heart,I have two paintings of her in my home,multiple books on her,I wish to God that nightmare never happened,love Bill nack he is a awesome orator.

[@daraharvey4519]

Yes she is my favorite too. She's racing in greener pastures now, for sure. Can't wait to meet her in Heaven.

[@timlawson8013]

Amen

[@stevemitchell7981]

She was one of the greatest.

[@savetheanimals982]

Undoubtedly the greatest fillie that ever lived! This was such a tradgedy that girl left me with a hole in my heart.

[@stephenamitrano2284]

The only other filly that could compare to her is probably Zenyatta, she was a bad ass too.

[@joanmeijer]

Our family never watched another race after that terrible day,

[@glenncanale9225]

Sorry to hear that. You have missed some of the greatest horses and races in the world, but breakdowns are a part of this. Remember we all break down at some point in our lives Just enjoy their accomplishments and nobility. As Bill said it is true human drama set in terms of the equine.

[@thomasphillips5192]

@dave4248 Where have you been. There have been several match races in just the last 15 years.

[@thomasphillips5192]

@dave4248 Santa Anita April 20, 1991, race #10. Fair Grounds December 3, 1994 race #7. Del Mar September 7, 2003 race #4. Del Mar August 7, 2011 race #4. Here are 4 that are easily found on KZbin.

[@thomasphillips5192]

@dave4248 In order kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6KYmn2Nq82dorc kzbin.info/www/bejne/mH7UhGyXmZJkrq8 kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6SVqJZ7bLRlaKs kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJS8lJikarB_f5I

[@peterzito1372]

She probably one of if not the best racehorse that ever lived best filly no doubt like bill said won at every point of call in every race broke records and times of 3 quarters of 1:08 is astonishing she ran em faster than big red her turn off foot was phenomenal by when you look at her past performances on the DRF you will see 1-1-1-1-1-1 till the last race 1 when she fell she was just making her move when the seagull or dove crossed in front while switching her leads we will never know but I feel it would. Have been 1 at the last call of that match race they don't have big match races any more because of that race only in some low claiming tracks

[@wthhappenedimanadult3142]

Bless her heart. I just feel they should have done something to protect her when she woke up :(

[@turtleonahottinroof8734]

Things have changed since then, in large part thanks to Ruffian, with slings and now water. It is tragic that medical advances flourish after war and tragedies.

[@sunnyseacat6857]

@@turtleonahottinroof8734 : Better organic, non-invasive medical advances flourish than not: water therapy is common around the world.

[@Caroni100]

Ruffian (April 17, 1972 - July 7, 1975) * Sire: Reviewer * Damsire: Bold Ruler * Dam: Shenanigans * Damsire: Native Dancer * Sex: Filly * Breeders & Owners: Stuart & Barbara Jenney * Trainer: Frank Y. Whiteley Jr. (R.I.P.) * Jockeys: Vincent Bracciale (2 for 2) Jacinto Vasquez (8 for 9) * 11 Starts * 10 Wins * 0 Seconds * 0 Thirds * 1 Did Not Finish * $ 313,428 (Current $ 1,702,056) * 1974 United States Champion 2-Year-Old Filly 🏇 * 1975 United States Triple Tiara Champion 🏇 * 1975 United States Champion 3-Year-Old-Filly 🏇 * Inducted to The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1976 * Number 35 in The Bloodhorse Magazine "Top 100 United States Racehorses of the 20th. Century List" * Top Ranked American Female Racehorse of the 20th. Century * Ruffian Stakes at Belmont Park since 1976 * Ruffian film (2007) * Rest In Peace, Female Champion! 😭We will always remeber you! * Greetings from Venezuela Ruffian (17 de Abril, 1972 - 7 de Julio, 1975) * Padre: Reviewer * Abuelo paterno: Bold Ruler * Madre: Shenanigans * Abuelo materno: Native Dancer * Sexo: Potranca * Criadores & Propietarios: Stuart & Barbara Jenney * Entrenador: Frank Y. Whiteley Jr. (Q.E.P.D.) * Jinetes: Vincent Bracciale (De 2-2) Jacinto Vásquez (De 9-8) * 11 Salidas * 10 Primeros * 0 Segundos * 0 Terceros * 1 No Pizarra * $ 313,428 ($ 1,702,056 actuales) * Campeona Dosañera en Estados Unidos 1974 🏇 * Campeona de la Triple Tiara de Estados Unidos 1975 🏇 * Campeona Tresañera en Estados Unidos 1975 🏇 * Exaltada al Museo Nacional de las Carreras y Salón de la Fama en 1976 * Número 35 en la "Lista de los 100 Mejores Caballos de Carrera del Siglo XX en Estados Unidos" de la Revista The Bloodhorse * Mejor Yegua de Carreras del siglo XX en Estados Unidos * Clásico Ruffian Stakes en Belmont Park desde 1976 * Película "Ruffian" (2007) * ¡Descansa En Paz, Campeona! 😭¡Siempre te recordaremos! * Saludos desde Venezuela

[@christinematton4125]

She had it all !!❤

[@janaw514]

Rest In Peace Bill Nack. I will always appreciate your words...

[@chloesmyth5516]

gah, Ruffian was absolutely breathtaking, as stunningly beautiful as she was talented. I might have dumped racing for good after this tragedy. But then I would've missed another exquisite filly beating the boys at Pimlico so many years later: Rachel Alexandra. And I wouldn't have wanted to miss that:)

[@daraharvey4519]

Certainly not, you'd have missed RA, Zenyatta, Beholder, now Songbird, and those are just some of the girls :-)

[@JohnWilliams-sq7cj]

Zenyatta vs Ruffian would've been epic!!!

[@juliewitt7496]

Ruffian. Great and grand lady.

[@marysueeasteregg]

Very unlikely they would have been bred together; too closely related. Secretariat's sire, Bold Ruler, also sired Ruffian's father, Reviewer. In human terms, Secretariat was her half-uncle.

[@juliehertz8768]

I love listening to Bill talk about my 2 favorite horses, SECRETARIT and RUFFIAN . RIP TO THE 2 MOST AMAZING HORSES EVER TO RACE. I IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF THEY HAD A BABY, THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN A SPEED MACHINE.

[@Mcdonald-ly9jn]

julie hertz actually barbaro and ruffian we're my favorite such a shame

[@Mcdonald-ly9jn]

julie hertz your forgetting one more barbaro a train

[@Mcdonald-ly9jn]

julie hertz don't forget about barbaro one hell of a fighter also

[@juliehertz8768]

9083393204 Mcdonald yep Barbaro ran an outstanding Derby and then the dam preakness.Sadly his leg healed but he got laminitis just like Secretariat.I hope one day they find a 100 percent cure.

[@christhompson9486]

They were related too closely to be bred. Bold Ruler was Ruffians grandsire and this made them uncle and niece.

[@elizabethpadilla8933]

Ruffian was magnificent to watch she was so elegant and truly one of the icons of horse racing.

[@bubblinbrownsugar616]

This man has a way with words. Stone Cathedral Silience. That is truly deep.

[@katnjas]

Are you kidding me? Look at the fucking actual video. That little filly had more determination that ive ever seen. Foolish Pleasure would have been left in her dust if she hadnt of broken down

[@alycewendling9548]

Wouldn't it have been a great something if Ruffian and Secretariat could have had a foal? I had a Secretariat grand daughter, and she was absolutely stunning. I outbid a kill buyer and now she is a Floridian!

[@christhompson9486]

Alyce Wendling She and Secretariat are closely related. Bold Ruler/Secretariat sire. Bold Ruler/Ruffian grand sire.

[@salicemccool9268]

Bill Nack is the best. He cares.

[@knk4ever83]

hell yeah he does!

[@spaz5138]

I was crying so hard that i felt like i was gushing in my own tears REST IN PEACE BEAUTY QUEEN😔😔😔😫😫😫😫😫😪🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧🤯🤯

[@StarrChasingComets]

I'm your 100th Liker I love Ruffian she was indeed Number 1st With Secretariat! She had Speed like no other Mayor in the History of Horse Racing She was Unbelievably Amzeing Running In front everytime She ran her heart out that Filly she is a star up there with Secretariat/Bararo And Seabiscuit As she now runs with them in Heaven were pain exists No more. She can run and run forever I wasn't even Born when she was Alive or when she Was Put to Sleep. My mom was a child when Secretariat won that race by 31 Lanth. I just found this Horse today I was had a need to watch Secretariat win the final race again and then right below the video there she was Ruffian. I saw her death and couldn't believe my Crying Eyes when I saw her leg Brack! I had to see the movie and I did.... Cryed so hard that is why I am letting Everyone know just how Amazing she really was R.I.P Ruffian my your Spirit and Memorys Race into the Bright Sun and Reman forever remembered I'll never forget you Ruffian the Great Carey On Beautiful and Mighty Filly.

[@711ATOM]

Ruffian and Foolish Pleasure were the best three year olds early in the year, but the best three year old of 1975 was Wajima. I watched Wajima's terrific fall campaign when the horse beat three future Hall of Famers, Ancient Title, Foolish Pleasure, and (my all-time favorite) Forego, twice in 12 days (the Governor's Stakes, then the Marlboro). Apparently Wajima was could be as mean as a rattler, but he was terrific.

[@cathleenmallett8834]

I remember this so well. It was horrific from what it could have been. That fiery filly couldn't have run this any other way. She put it all out there, she was up for it but her slender ankles weren't made for carrying that weight, for a feline, equine Gladiator. We didn't get to bring her home hoisted above us on symbolic shields meant to protect and honor her memory or personally attend to her wounds and temporarily broken hearted racing spirit. That is holy ground for those who feel the Equine spirit. We miss her so but we can glory in the memories she gave us and ensure and be wat chful of the quality of the breed. Thanks!

[@ImRidingmrmurphy]

he was faster but she had it in her head she was not going to loose...

[@knk4ever83]

there's not a doubt in my mind and heart, that Ruffian would've won the race. .wasn't she ahead when she broke down?

[@salicemccool9268]

She was.

[@knk4ever83]

she had a huge heart... ;(

[@christhompson3750]

She was pulling away.

[@stephenamitrano2284]

Sadly we never got to see it happen but I would like to think she was gonna win!

[@nobodysbaby5048]

She wasn't a car, she was a horse. Million dollar genetics. And then they killed her.

[@averagejoe7924]

I'll never forget that day!

[@jankimbell7560]

I was watching it at a friend's house and left in tears. They tried to console me, telling me she'd be okay, not understanding how difficult this kind of injury is on horses. So very, very sad.

[@patriciahooker9547]

Another just as bad was Go For Wand Randy was riding her in Breeders Cup when she broke down. Randy said she was trying to get back up to finish race

[@Horrormovieguy2.9]

Goin 227.1 in the CCA is unreal especially back then no filly will ever be her shes the male secretariet i mean cmon beautiful

[@jennifursun3303]

she was beautiful i still remember this race when she broke her leg. it was soo sad

[@RosyVilla]

Watching her try to walk, makes me bawl. Poor Ruffian.

[@equinegirl369]

This is the honor of the greatest fillies in the world. Ruffian looks like Black Minx from The Black Stallion book series.

[@nobodysbaby5048]

Never thought of it, but you are correct. Perhaps she was also a muse.

[@christhompson9486]

Ruffian would have never backed off. She had the heart and the iron will. I hate it when they call them freaks. These are not freaks, they are perfection, absolute perfection.

[@alesianelson7584]

This didn't have to happen. Pushing a horse whose body is 3 years from maturity, and whose bones and body isn't ready to be pushed to such limits typically ends badly. These horses are destroyed and most people aren't able to repurpose these horses because their immature bodies are destroyed by the time they are retired. I have experience with this. I have seen it.

[@thefrase7884]

Sure you have

[@mz15945]

Damn pigeons

[@angiealberts7251]

It really wasn't the pigeons, it was a misstep that just by the camera angle was blamed on them. Unfortunately it would have happened with or without them but I was only 7 watching from the rail, my dad worked for Leroy's dad, Moody, I hated that man after that day, after the race he was down right giddy and even told the press that she got what she deserved. I believe he was quoted saying something to the effect of "Put a little pressure on the bitch and she came unbuckled. I was so devastated my dad had my mom take me home because Moody and Leroy were pissed at anyone that showed compassion for the filly.

[@spellywelly]

You know, Ruffian was an extreme of the scale; in looks, in physique, in heart - and in matchstick legs. She couldn’t be as good as we all claim she should be - hypothetically beating other legend racehorses - WITHOUT breaking down. It wasn’t the gate, the pigeons or a bad step - these things are all either scapegoats or symptoms. It was because she was a huge horse of 17hh with legs far too slender and joints far too small to support the crushing impact of the pressure of that powerful body at speed, every galloped stride, over and over. The TB’s limb is the secret to its success but also its Achilles’ heel. Breeding single-mindedly and relentlessly for one characteristic, in this case, running speed, and never mind if the animal ends up less viable, less able to be robust or have longevity or survive in other ways - is truthfully what happened to Ruffian. In so many photos, it looks like her off-fore is far from straight. She should never have been put under the pressure of a match race.

[@lired70]

Bill, you are an amazing and gifted orator. You don't just tell a story, you teach! I so enjoyed the book Secretariat. You gave us history and I thank you for it. I have to say, not only horses come out of anesthesia disoriented, and do harm to themselves. My Labrador Retriever did the same thing. With 2 e collars on, she managed to get them off, and bit through 2 legs full of staples! She had OCD, and was treated for it. It took another trip to the orthopedic vet and 5 surgeries in 6 months to make her walk again. I wish Ruffian could have been granted a reprieve and a chance to walk again. Animals pull at our heartstrings. They are never here long enough!

[@jankimbell7560]

So sad to lose Mr. Nack this year. I, too, loved his stories, his voice and his writing.

[@JohnWilliams-sq7cj]

Secretariat and Ruffain came from the same sire line

[@comesahorseman]

Big engine, no wheels. Sad, but true.

[@buckfan1969]

I saw that race that day. What a terrible moment; nobody saw it coming, of course, but even a casual fan like myself knew there was no way she could survive. Maybe the worst sports moment of my life, and I'm in my 60's.

[@mrb14075]

I like to think we saw the finish of that race in the 2007 Belmont when Rags to Riches beat Curlin

[@watchmanonthewall14]

Sometimes we can do everything right in life, but to no avail.

[@annaravani1]

I hope they were all waiting for you on the other side Bill.xxx

[@luisdiaz3887]

This was SO SAD. I CAN’t believe that up to this time horses must be put to sleep for a broken leg. There must be a way to save them.

[@jasonwoodbury3717]

so sad. i hate seeing any horse get injured let alone a philly. and a great one like ruffian

[@anoopnagarajan]

@live2ride6692 Bill Nack's commentary brings tears to any horse lover. Boy this was the best horse of the century, there was only one ruffian and there shall be only one ruffian...even at the time of breaking down she was in lead... that's ruffian.

[@MrFrank440]

Bill-you are a pleasure to listen to. I am very sad to see the ending of a great horse. R.I.P. Ruffian. You were one of the greats.

[@sarahdelany7900]

Rest in peace ruffian my hearts with you sweetie pie

[@christhompson9486]

😢😢😢😢😢😢💔💔💔💔

[@Miggster500]

i believe Ruffian wud of won. till this day she inspires me..wat people say about her.wat she did on the tracks there will never be another 1 like her. shes 1 of those horses that are a once in a lifetime

[@mrs.c5471]

The only filly with her presence is Zenyatta

[@thefrase7884]

Rags To Riches had an aura about her as well

[@spellywelly]

It’s lovely listening to a Bill reminisce about Ruffian. But I find myself both agreeing and disagreeing with him on one point: It isn’t just guts that determines which horse is the best. If it was, Ruffian would most likely have beaten Foolish Pleasure and every other horse she faced, because she was such a bold and courageous filly. When we talk about ‘guts’ and ‘heart’ it’s emotive and powerful, and that’s why we find it so moving but we also have to keep our feet on the ground, for the good of racehorses in general and for breeding practices to change. Guts count for NOTHING if a big, powerful 17hh horse with a huge frame has legs too slender and joints too small to support that frame, and it ends in an agonising catastrophe for the horse like this. Breeders have a responsibility to aim for soundness and durability, as opposed to single-mindedly breeding for speed. The true ability of a horse needs to be measured by where it’s limit is - the maximum speed it can do WITHOUT breaking down. There HAS to be a trade off. If you’re injured, you don’t run fast, but if you run too fast you’re more likely to be injured. So only the horses that strike the middle of this are truly successful. When you have a horse with guts like Ruffian, she will keep on running, no matter what. Humans have to determine where to draw the line. Ruffian didn’t break down because of the gate, or the pigeons, or because of a bad step. Her legs weren’t up to the questions asked of her. Even in photos, it’s clear her off-fore isn’t straight. She should never have been put under the pressure of a match race. RIP Bill. Thanks for the upload, it was very moving to watch!

[@thefrase7884]

Unfortunately breakdowns will still happen if bred for sturdiness over speed.

[@GBeret83]

To clarify my previous statement, because I ran out of characters, I'm a huge, huge Zenyatta fan. That believes that in today's world of thoroughbred racing that she'll never be beaten in what's left of her career. Or if she is, certainly by no other filly or mare. If it happened, IMO, it'd take a colt to do it. But Ruffian is the one filly, if they had been in the same era, that could possibly to likely have beaten Zenyatta. Against Rachel, not even close. Ruffian would have destroyed her. IMO.

[@348Tobico]

You, Bill are a treasure to all horse lovers as our storyteller. Thank you.

[@alesianelson7584]

He told a great story on how to destroy and kill an animal.

[@348Tobico]

@@alesianelson7584 Bill Nack only recounted the facts in a loving way. It was the choice her owners made to race her every time she ran. Ruffian was not the only horse the Janney family had break down. But, there are many, many of us who appreciate her for all her attributes, who never have bet or in those days went to a track to watch. No one wanted her to be hurt--no one. You can't be the only person who hates that she was raced and died. I can't watch the end. But Nack loved all horses and he got to be close to them where the rest of simply could not. Please appreciate the love we all have for her achievements and the anger and regrets we share at her breakdown and death. People like you have had and will have an influence on racing and it's dangers. 2 And 3 year old horses should not be raced. Period. It takes writers like Bill Nack to inform us of the back story to racing and the death and mistreatment. So lighten up and let's work together to help racehorses like Bill Nack tried to do.

[@lisab5904]

@@348Tobico Eloquently said.

[@foots-qt4pk]

Secretariats sire is Bold Ruler. Bold Rulers brother was Reviewer, who was the sire of Ruffiab! Nashua had the same sire as Bold Ruler and we remember the matchrace in 1955 where Nashua destroted Swaps! That is some gene pool!

[@sabrinaqueen5265]

The perfect couple; Secretariat and Ruffian! :)

[@agon10425]

i would have loved to see thier offspring race-champions for sure

[@christhompson9486]

They were close related. Bold Ruler, Secretariat sire. Bold Ruler, Ruffian grandsire.

[@Theonlygracius]

He was her uncle lol it would not have been right

[@spaz5138]

They were related so it would be wrong but if they weren't they would have great offspring

[@asturiasceltic3183]

Hate this damn sport but love the horses. Forever Ruffian, Barbaro, Ferninand, Swale, Go For Wand, Phar Lap, Medina Spirit and the millions of others who died for this

[@danielgluch3953]

They have to come up with some thing to help the race horse or any horse when they hurt their legs. I hate that they have to put down a such great horse.

[@danestetson3767]

Ruffian was special .