Ruffian : An Unmatched Legacy

In this post, I feel privileged to narrate the story about Ruffian. Ruffian was the Thoroughbred filly, born on April 17, 1972, at Claiborne Farm in Paris, Kentucky. By Reviewer and out of Shenanigans, she was bred by Stuart S. Janney Jr. and Barbara Phipps Janney, of Locust Hill Farm in Glyndon, Maryland.

 

Ruffian, a dark bay who looked black, was a massive filly and had earned the nickname "Sofie the Sofa" during her early training. She was so easy and comfortable to sit on. But her brilliance became evident to the world during her maiden race in 1974, when she zipped effortlessly to the front and then maintained that lead to the wire, winning by 15 lengths and typing the track record in the process. It was a breathtaking performance for any horse, particularly for a maiden, but her fans would come to know that it was nothing unusual for Ruffian.

      

Many people believe Ruffian was as close to perfect as a racehorse can ever come. Not only did this filly win every race she ever ran. At every point of call during every race, she was always in the front. She didn't always break well, within a few steps she always gained the lead and stayed there throughout the entire race. She broke or equaled a record every she ran and most impressive part of all. She did all this while her jockey, Jacinto Vazquez and under the instruction of her cautious trainer, Frank Whiteley was constantly trying to slow her down. 

After seeing her trounce the fillies so often, fans everywhere were clamoring to see Ruffian race against the colts, but cautious Whiteley refused to give in to the pressure. He chose not to run her in the Triple Crown as a three-year-old and sent her into the Filly Triple Crown - the Acron, Mother Goose, and Coaching Club American Oaks - instead. As predicted, Ruffian Dominated all three races in her typical commanding style.

Ruffian was the only filly who can compete with clots and not only be winning with few steps difference but be leading with huge front differences. Ruffian has made history witnessed about her performance, talent and calm attitude. She was that famous in her racing career that on her entry from all sides of the racing course only her name was cheered by people sitting and watching the race. Other than her no colt or filly on the race course ground was given attention and importance. This makes other horse owners and their trainers feel jealous for Ruffian and Whiteley pair. Jockeys as well feel jealous for Jacinto Vazquez as he had most powerful and eligible thoroughbred to ride on.

There is more to know about Ruffian and I'll narrate it in my next post. Till then keep reading and following my Blog - Horsenaturee(All About Horse)!!!!!!