How We Met

I don't own her

The great match race was set, it was to be Ruffian against the Derby winner of 1975, Foolish Pleasure. Both horses broke cleanly, with Foolish Pleasure a step in front, but it was only a matter of seconds before they were going head to head. Ruffian stuck her nose in front, the opening quarter was run in 22 1/5. At this time Ruffian started pulling away from Foolish Pleasure, first a head, then a neck, then by half a length. Suddenly, the jockeys heard a snapping sound. Then Foolish Pleasure was in front by a length, two, three.... the announcer called out with disbelief, "Ruffian has broken down!" but the great filly kept running. She ground her leg into the track but there was no stopping her. By the time she was pulled up, her hoof dangled uselessly and it was all anyone could do to get her off the track.

They operated on Ruffian all through the night but to no avail, she began running and ripped the cast off upon coming out of the anesthesia, causing further damage to her leg. The men and the vets around her had tried to perform a miracle surgery and it had only furthered her agony. Shortly after 2 am, Ruffian was put down, and she was free to run once more. She was buried around 9 pm that evening at belmont park, with her nose pointed towards the finish line. Hundreds showed up to pay their respects to the legendary filly. She had galloped into the hearts of people across the nation in only two short seasons and she would never be forgotten..