Ruffian

Reviewer - Shenanigans by Native Dancer

Ruffian was an exceptional American Thoroughbred racehorse who dominated the racing scene in the mid-1970s. Foaled in 1972, she was bred by Stuart Janney Jr. and Barbara Janney, and trained by Frank Y. Whiteley Jr. Ruffian quickly gained fame for her undefeated record and her commanding performances on the track. Lucien Laurin, trainer of the legendary Secretariat once said, “As God is my judge, she might be better than Secretariat”.

Known as the “Queen of the Fillies”, Ruffian won all ten of her starts, including the Filly Triple Crown (consisting of the Acorn Stakes, Mother Goose Stakes, and Coaching Club American Oaks). She set or equaled track records in eight of her races, showcasing her remarkable speed and stamina. Ruffian’s career, however, came to a tragic end in a highly publicized match race against that year’s Kentucky Derby winner, Foolish Pleasure, in 1975. During the race, she suffered a catastrophic injury to her right foreleg and, despite efforts to save her, had to be euthanized. Ruffian’s story captivated the American public, and her legacy as one of the greatest fillies in racing history endures. She was posthumously inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1976. Ruffian’s combination of beauty, speed, and tragic fate has made her an enduring icon in the world of horse racing, often compared to other legendary fillies and mares in the sport’s history.