In Memory of Ruffian

[Pan Zareta]

Is it true they drove her over the finish line so she could "finish" the race? I heard that somewhere. Very touching if it's true.

I don't think so, but she was buried w/ her nose pointed toward the finish line.

[griff]

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY THE BROODMARE PROSPECTS WERE FOR A MARE WITH A 22/3/1/6 & $18,120 IN WINNINGS?

ESPECIALLY IF HER DAM HAD A 20/2/2/4 AND $8,370 IN WINNINGS?


CHECK OUT RUFFIAN'S TAIL FEMALE

[Shergar]

I would say being a daughter of Native Dancer, Shenanigans was going to get every chance at being a broodmare.

$18K in winnings not a lot of money, but not exactly chump change in the mid 60's.

Family 8-c through Rosie O'Grady is a pretty strong female family, so she she was well bred top and bottom.

I don't know what Shenanigans looked like. Her connections must have thought a lot of her as her first cover was by Neartic.

Just my random musings on her.

Regards,
Shergar

[Pan Zareta]

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY THE BROODMARE PROSPECTS WERE FOR A MARE WITH A 22/3/1/6 & $18,120 IN WINNINGS?

ESPECIALLY IF HER DAM HAD A 20/2/2/4 AND $8,370 IN WINNINGS?


CHECK OUT RUFFIAN'S TAIL FEMALE

Shenanigans was stakes-placed, and from an enduringly reliable tail female line, one that had been nurtured a couple of generations earlier in the H.P. Whitney Stud (imho, Pink Domino's is another good branch of 8-c). Moreover, Shenanigans belonged to Stuart Jr. & Barbara (Phipps) Janney. The only aspect of her produce record that surprises me is that she went to Nearctic, not Bold Ruler, for her first breeding. All of her other breedings except the one that produced Near East (x Damascus) were to Phipps stallions.

[StrawberryFelidos]

I don't know what Shenanigans looked like.

There's a picure of her on her pedigree profile, the only pic I've ever found of her...

[Toccet02]

Quote: "First time they threw some speed at her, and the bitch comes unbuckled!" He was also seen to grin when asked how he felt about "the turn of events" in the race (from Jane Schwartz's Burning From the Start)

What a loooooowlife.

And what a gorgeous filly, what a great heart! Sometimes our behavior towards these animals makes me wonder about humanity...

I read that book. It was pretty good.

I just read this book. I have to admit the ending made me cry. I am pregnant, but still . . . .think I would have anyway! Very well written and so detailed that it brings that world to life, including NYC in the Sickie Seventies!

[aztmccdc]

There is a picture of Shenanigans with a young foal.
Does anyone know if the baby was Ruffian?

http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricDams/ ... fYear.html

[NorthStar]

There is a picture of Shenanigans with a young foal.
Does anyone know if the baby was Ruffian?

http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricDams/ ... fYear.html

I checked with the website. They say it is by Damascus.

[Lucy]

There is a picture of Shenanigans with a young foal.
Does anyone know if the baby was Ruffian?

http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricDams/ ... fYear.html

I checked with the website. They say it is by Damascus.

That would date the photo 1977; the foal is Near East.

http://www.pedigreequery.com/near+east

[steward]

Hmm. The past rancor on this thread isn't a whole lot different from the old coot's crusty reaction on the spot.

People should read a little more history before applying modern sensibilities to a guy who scrapped through hard times when the business was very rough-edged. Moody Jolley's observation is a little tame compared to what his contemporaries experienced, let alone how the old horsemen expressed it. Sure, there were a few socialites who maintained upper-class decorum througout the history of the sport, but the vast majority were rough 'n tumble sorts for whom male gallows humor helped them through hard times.

To have a gaggle of modern softies tut-tut the old gent without ever walking in his shoes isn't surprising. People who don't understand the difference between the times often do.

[NorthStar]

There is a picture of Shenanigans with a young foal.
Does anyone know if the baby was Ruffian?

http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricDams/ ... fYear.html

I checked with the website. They say it is by Damascus.

That would date the photo 1977; the foal is Near East.

http://www.pedigreequery.com/near+east

Yes. What a shame the database doesn't have anything on him. Did he not race?

[Pan Zareta]

What a shame the database doesn't have anything on him. Did he not race?

Only for 7 years and >$200K. (His rcd.'s been added.)

To have a gaggle of modern softies tut-tut the old gent without ever walking in his shoes isn't surprising. People who don't understand the difference between the times often do.

I'm old enough to fully comprehend the difference between sensibilities of 1975 and the present - and to lament the fact that appreciation for the succinct and forthright expression of opinion has diminished. But even in the context of 1975 sensibilities, I'd still say MJ's remarks were crass, and iirc the author of Burning From the Start mentions that they surprised even veteran horsemen & turfwriters.

[steward]

Moody Jolley was an old-timer in 1975, and I was referring to his experiences during the Depression and the War era. Basically he was engaging in locker-room talk of the type that still goes on (and worse). He was a fellow not far from his own passing.

First, it was not meant for public consumption, and the unfairness of including it in a book is noted. Second, his opinion minus "bitch" is pretty vanilla. Animals (including people) do not perform as well under stress as when things are going smoothly. Front runners meeting a stiff challenge can expect to see their performances suffer, Beyer 101. Strong-willed animals sometimes hurt themselves.

If the "bitch" part about the quote is what rankles, so be it. Compared to what I've heard from emanating from throughout the culture since 1975, it's pretty tame. You ought to hear what people attach to "mother..."

[steward]

I'll add one more note: the complaint about the FP connections being happy during the aftermath is a stretch by someone going searching for issues. IIRC, there were still post KD parties after 8 Belles went down. And I don't remember mourning clothes being donned in the winner's circle. Fairness requires consistency.

[Nancy T]

I think those connected with her also called her the "bitch" I think I have heard that Frank Whitley often referred to her that way himself. Jolly's comment is still most distasteful IMO.