Ruffian: Burning from the Start

GPK · #1 08-02-2006, 07:16 AM

Just finished the book...I guess in hopes of it turning out different.

She was foaled the same year as me, 1972. I bet she must have been a pure pleasure to watch run. Does anyone know if there are any videos around of any of her races??

dr. fager · #2 08-02-2006, 07:29 AM

short video...mostly the trainer here but none the less

http://www.racingmuseum.org/hall/horse.asp?ID=128

irishtrekker · #3 08-02-2006, 07:33 AM

There's a nice tribute video on YouTube. No live footage, but a tearjerker (at least if you're me):

http://youtube.com/watch?v=96wka0rBH...uffian%20horse

I've never actually seen "the" race, or Go For Wand's, or any of the others. I always thought I should see Ruffian's match race just because it was a part of racing history, even if it was a tragic part...but after the way I felt when Barbaro broke down, I don't know if I want to.

GPK · #4 08-02-2006, 07:33 AM

Thanks bro

GPK · #5 08-02-2006, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irishtrekker

There's a nice tribute video on YouTube. No live footage, but a tearjerker (at least if you're me):

http://youtube.com/watch?v=96wka0rBH...uffian%20horse

I've never actually seen "the" race, or Go For Wand's, or any of the others. I always thought I should see Ruffian's match race just because it was a part of racing history, even if it was a tragic part...but after the way I felt when Barbaro broke down, I don't know if I want to.

Thank you hun.

irishtrekker · #6 08-02-2006, 07:40 AM

No problem. I always thought it was weird, too, that both of her parents died similarly (both came out of anesthesia and went wild, breaking legs).

I need to read that book you finished -- I keep swearing I will, but somehow I just avoid it instead. How you feelin' this morning?

GPK · #7 08-02-2006, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irishtrekker

No problem. I always thought it was weird, too, that both of her parents died similarly (both came out of anesthesia and went wild, breaking legs).

I need to read that book you finished -- I keep swearing I will, but somehow I just avoid it instead. How you feelin' this morning?

You should finish it...

I feel good this morning...still some pain where they cut me, but it's amazing to me how great my legs feel. Went for a walk last night and thought I may be hurting a little this morning, but I feel really good. Thanks.

Buffymommy · #8 08-02-2006, 08:00 AM

It really is an awesome book. Anyone who hasn't read it, should go pick it up today.

Kev, have you read the secretariat book? I can send it to you if you want it.

I just picked up CHicken Soup for the HOrse Lover's Soul II. The first one is good. Ya want me to send ya that one?

sham · #9 08-02-2006, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GPK

Just finished the book...I guess in hopes of it turning out different.

She was foaled the same year as me, 1972. I bet she must have been a pure pleasure to watch run. Does anyone know if there are any videos around of any of her races??

here is a link to ebay. I've had good luck buying horse videos on ebay over the years and have most of the greats in my video library.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vhs-Dvd-RUFFIAN-...QQcmdZViewItem

GPK · #10 08-02-2006, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buffymommy

It really is an awesome book. Anyone who hasn't read it, should go pick it up today.

Kev, have you read the secretariat book? I can send it to you if you want it.

I just picked up CHicken Soup for the HOrse Lover's Soul II. The first one is good. Ya want me to send ya that one?

Buff, right now I have enough books stacked in front of me to last the next month. If I do run out, I will let you know. thanks

GPK · #11 08-02-2006, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sham

here is a link to ebay. I've had good luck buying horse videos on ebay over the years and have most of the greats in my video library.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vhs-Dvd-RUFFIAN-...QQcmdZViewItem

Thank you Sham.

paisjpq · #12 08-02-2006, 10:53 AM

kev-while you are laid up you MUST read 'Stud:adventures in Breeding'--if you haven't already. It's really good.

slotdirt · #13 08-02-2006, 10:54 AM

I'm trying to get through Man o' War: Legend like Lightning, but man, is that book disjointed.

paisjpq · #14 08-02-2006, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slotdirt

I'm trying to get through Man o' War: Legend like Lightning, but man, is that book disjointed.

is that the new one that came out earlier this year?

slotdirt · #15 08-02-2006, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paisjpq

is that the new one that came out earlier this year?

That is correct.

paisjpq · #16 08-02-2006, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slotdirt

That is correct.

I heard it was good--haven't done much reading lately though. By disjointed you mean hard to follow or you just don't like the style?

slotdirt · #17 08-02-2006, 11:01 AM

I'm just not a fan of the style. I appreciate background and all, but it would be nice if each chapter actually focused on the same subject.

#18 08-02-2006, 11:01 AM

There's a "grassy knoll" conspiracy theory ...

... that claims Ruffian was by Bold Ruler ... not by his son Reviewer.

The theory goes like this ...

In 1971 Bold Ruler was dying from cancer and could only service one more season. His son Reviewer was in his first season at stud ... both at Claiborne.

So ... there was nothing to gain from Bold Ruler siring another champion ... but a lot to gain if Reviewer did. Thus ... the records were fudged to list Reviewer as Ruffian's sire ... not Bold Ruler.

Believe it? ... Or not?

paisjpq · #19 08-02-2006, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bold Brooklynite

There's a "grassy knoll" conspiracy theory ...

... that claims Ruffian was by Bold Ruler ... not by his son Reviewer.

The theory goes like this ...

In 1971 Bold Ruler was dying from cancer and could only service one more season. His son Reviewer was in his first season at stud ... both at Claiborne.

So ... there was nothing to gain from Bold Ruler siring another champion ... but a lot to gain if Reviewer did. Thus ... the records were fudged to list Reviewer as Ruffian's sire ... not Bold Ruler.

Believe it? ... Or not?

interesting idea...where did the theory come from? or more to the point where did YOU hear it?

sumitas · #20 08-02-2006, 11:16 AM

dna might answer that.

espn about 5 years ago came out with a SPorts Century documentary on Ruffian...try and find that.

her breakdown that i viewed on tv drove me essentially out of horse racing for 25 yrs until a dear friend got me back into it. i was so gun shy i had no stomach to watch hardly any races. but i'm enjoying the sport for the most part the last 6 years.

a side note. Foolish Pleasure, who ran vs Ruffian that terrible day never had good books at stud. it has been said that was due to the bad memories he evoked in breeders about that fateful day. his pedigree was wonderful and he really deserved better.

I hope Bernardini is not painted with that same brush. Time will tell.