Whiteley Jr., Vasquez sue Walt Disney over Ruffian
 

"Trainer Frank Whiteley Jr., jockey Jacinto Vasquez, and Thoroughbred Legends LLC have filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against The Walt Disney Company and its subsidiaries, ABC and ESPN, over “Ruffian,” a television movie that is scheduled to air Saturday, June 9, on ABC."

www.bloodhorse.com

I heard, pending the outcome, Pinnochio and the Wicked Stepmother are preparing similar suits.

Why is Byk using your voice today on ATRAB?

Maybe he's more disaffected than usual.

I'm all about husky, sexy voice on the radio, but hope you feel better, Steve!

Strange that the suit revolves around Nack, but doesn't include him.

I cannot imagine why anyone would want to make or watch a movie about arguably the worst day in the history of racing, particulary one that re-enacts a gruesome, stomach-turning injury in reportedly great detail. The producers should have realized what a horrible idea this film was when the trainer and jock wouldn't cooperate. Nack may be a talented writer, but he should be ashamed of himself for accepting "blood" money to participate in something that will sicken potential new fans.

We'll see what aspect of Ruffian's life is most emphasized within the movie, and sensitivity or lack of it regarding her final hours. Following your posted logic, Nack shouldn't have written a book about her in the first place. Nonsense.

The whole suit smacks of the obvious financial opportunism. Surprised Shirley Cunningham isn't involved.

Nack and the producers are the ones who sought financial gain in this matter. Whiteley and Vasquez refused to accept "blood" money to exploit this filly. Nack's book was written after the production was completed and it is obvious from the lawsuit that the producers were seeking some way to justify "inserting" him into the story so they could tell it without cooperation from people who were actually central to her story.

Isn't there a different book out there? That was the first time I ever read or heard anything about Ruffian. The ending bummed me out since I didn't know she died :(

not surprised to see that a suit was filed after getting the most recent bloodhorse, in which whitely said he didn't have 'a damn thing' to do with the movie.

they tried to cut a deal a few years ago with the trainer and jock, but didn't come to terms....so they went on without. you can't do that.
so, they'll have to insert some sort of disclaimer, and that will be that.

they can't say it's a true story, since nack truly wasn't involved. so they have to say 'based on'.

I have to wonder if Jane Schwartz, author of Ruffian, Burning from the Start, one of the finest racing books ever written despite the ending, didn't refuse to sell the rights to the ESPN/Disney people. It is unimaginable that they didn't approach her when this project was conceptualized. Perhaps, like Whiteley and Vasquez, she wanted no part of this exploitation of the filly. She clearly had the cooperation of all involved when penning her tasteful and truthful tribute.

I wonder what your hidden agenda is here Concern. You seem to be coming on pretty strong for just a casual observer.

No hidden agenda. I'm a huge Ruffian fan and, like many, was tremendously affected by her tragic death. I think this movie is terrible for racing and, from reading other message boards, many folks agree with me. I am glad that this lawsuit is bringing attention to the fraud and exploitation that this movie is.

Have you seen the movie?

No. I have talked to five folks who have and was told by all that the breakdown scene is very, very graphic. Racing cannot possibly benefit from this.

So, you haven't seen the movie, but are vilifying everyone involved with the project. Seems pretty unfair to me.

On the rest of your comments.....sorry....but I think you're completely wrong. People, like yourself, with preconceived notions will believe what they believe before viewing it. However, like it or not, this movie will be on a major network, and thus will expose racing to a large audience ( something we rarely get ). Yes, some will not like it, but some will and at least the possibility exists that some of these people will be more interested in racing after viewing it.

I loved Ruffian as well, and saw her win the Spinaway in person, and it had a great affect on me. She was the first horse I became fascinated with in a now virtual lifetime immersed in racing. I don't have great expectations for the movie but I also don't see it as a disservice to the game at all.

Just as the very real possibility exists that some will watch and see some of the great things about racing and be encouraged to attend.

I respect your right to your opinion. Many others share mine. I also think the producers are exploiting Barbaro by tying his tragedy into this film. How convenient for them that his breakdown occurred and could be "inserted" into their production. I did read a portion of Nack's self-serving Ruffian book and now wonder how much of that was true and how much was manipulated as a companion to the movie.

Good to see some of the old timers in the news.

Vasquez was always one of the more 'outspoken' jocks

remember one time someone was criticizing his riding in the paddock area
and Jacinto just looks at him and says "YEAH, but I got alot of
money".

Vasquez must be 60 or so, which makes Whiteley ????