  “As God is my judge, she might be better than Secretariat.” - Lucien Lauren This never-before-published photo entitled "Magnificent Ruffian" is part of the Steve Haskin collection. The poignant image captures the elegance and grace of the revered Hall of Fame filly at Belmont Park in her 3-year-old season just weeks before her ill-fated match race with Foolish Pleasure. This is my definitive photo of Ruffian, taken in the late spring of 1975 and reflecting her in happier times at the height of her athletic prowess. Back then, Ruffian's trainer Frank Whiteley was stabled on the outer fringes of the backstretch, not where you would normally find a horse the caliber of Ruffian. When I visited she was out grazing and her groom was kind enough to have her pose for me. I don't recall ever seeing a conformation shot of Ruffian at her barn. There she stood in all her magnificence, her coat glistening like black titanium. That would be one of a few treasured times I photographed Ruffian, and it is this rare intimate shot that remains one of my all-time favorites. ~ SH Measuring 8” x 10” and limited to 75 total hand-numbered pieces, this treasured photo is available on a first-come basis with the option of ready-to-frame archival matting. CONTACT US FOR AVAILABILITY |
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