A Perfect Sprint!

An astonishing marked incident fascinated crowd at Saratoga Springs, New York on 23 August 1974.  Ruffian, the wonder filly, showed the 18,878 fans at Saratoga the qualities tḥat have made her a champion even before the year is three-quarters gone. Competing in the 83d running of the Spinaway for 2-year old fillies. Ruffian posted the fifth straight jubilation of her five-race career by a majestic margin.

Opposing only three others in the six-furlong sprint, Ruffian defeated Laughing Bridge, the runner-up, by, 12.75 lengths, with Scottish Melody and Some Swinger trailing badly. Ruffian not only marked an emphatic victory but also gained a huge recognition. "Ruffian ran it in the stakes record time of 1:08 3/5, surpassing the 1:09 1/5 made by Sopranist on the old Widener Straight Course at Belmont Park in 1945, and the Spinaway record at Saratoga made by Numbered Account three years ago. The course record is 1:08, made by Spanish Riddle under 111 pounds two years ago.

Ruffian raced in the silks of the Locust Hill Farm, was ridden by Vince Bracciale, and the filly showed from the outset that she was going to run practically alone. She took the lead leaving the gate, extended it with almost every stride, and had the whole matter clearly settled by the time the field hit the stretch. Under the same 120 pounds that were toted by each of her rivals, Ruffian posted way-station clockings of 0:22 1/5 and 0:44 4/5.

The Crowd was thrilled but hardly staggered, at the exalted performance, as indicated by the playoff of  $2.40 to win and $2.10 to place. Laughing Bridge also paid $2.10 for the place. There was no show betting. 

A generous round of applause greeted Ruffian as she entered the winner's circle. Frank Whiteley kept her out of the paddock and out of the walking ring, preferring to keep her in the sheds until the race. This move did not set well with the hundreds who awaited her under the trees but she was forgiven often she showed her excellent racing qualities. Ruffian's presence on the race course, was the center of discussion from the standpoint of the competition.

Ruffian, along with many other equine stars of the golden days of racing achieved their greatness without Lasix and other drugs routinely used today. Their accomplishment was no less, more probably, but without the aids horses so commonly have today. Hay, oats, and water along with a good trainer and rider, as well as a top-notch veterinarian to patch things up were all that was needed. The horses' career lasted longer, and they ran more often and just as fast. Things have changed, but I'll come back to that later.

Ruffian was running in a race like a launch of a bullet from the riffle. Her start was so stunning that the crowd in the stands get stuck in watching her leaving other activities in between. She dashes from the Starting point to the end point completely in same rigorous speed, and this is what that makes Ruffian occupy an important and never forgettable space in everyone's heart. There is a lot more to know about Ruffian, so keep following and reading my blog.