Movie: Ruffian

Ruffian
2007

When I watched this once upon a time, I wasn't a fan.  I didn't remember why when I picked it back up.  Regardless, I remember being less than impressed.  Recently, I watched it again and was vaguely pleased by it...up until I remembered why I didn't like it.  Those reasons were less pronounced the second time around, but I'll just list them here for the fun of it.

Basically, they are as follows:

1) The big needle shot.  Okay, look.  I'm not very squeamish about these sort of things, but for some reason I just find it beyond creepy that they decided to show Ruffian's last moments in such a way.  Close up shot of her eye...great.  Fine.  Close up shot of her eye showing the reflection of the vet looming over her holding a giant needle...kind of reminds me of Frankenstein.  Equine Frankenstein!  Imagine the horror!

2) You could call this 1975: The Year Bill Nack Became Disillusioned With Racing aka Ruffian.  Yes, Bill Nack is a wonderful writer, and he has written many glorious, beautiful things about racing.  However, he kind of gets in the way a lot. 

3) This movie had a horrible release date.  Not that this is something I can logically hold against the movie.  Maybe I can hold it against ESPN, but there's something morbidly amusing about ESPN releasing a movie about a famous horse who breaks down in what was one of the most famous American races of the century the year after Barbaro broke down (and mere months after he died) on one of the three days America stops to remember horse racing exists.  I mean, why do we even bother trying to get people interested in this sport?  Is there a point anymore?

Basically, I just want Secretariat to be much, much better.

I spend all day waiting for the greatest two minutes.

With I Want Revenge scratched, the Kentucky Derby is down to nineteen runners. Who do you like, guys?

Alysheba (1984-2009)

In celebration of Alysheba, I give you the 1987 Kentucky Derby:

In memory of Blue

Dear blog readers, Firstly, I apologize. I know it isn't the purpose of this blog, but I feel that by posting on this blog I will be speaking to people who will understand why I had to write this post. You see, our much loved gelding, Blue, died today. He wasn't yet twenty years old, and frequently acted like a three year old. Today was a nice day, there was no mud in our fields, and the horses were taking the opportunity to kick up their heels. Dear Blue, as he took a sharp turn, fell and broke his neck. It was over in an instant, and he felt no pain. Blue was always a goer. Impatient as he was tacked up, smacking his lips before he recieved the bit, biting you feet if you took to long getting comfortable. On the trail he was fearless, walking through any obstacles in his way without hesitation. Chomping the bit if he wasn't in the lead, dancing if we weren't going fast enough. Though he had no papers, his courage and his goodness lead to us dubbing him 'Sir Galahad Blue.' He was a strange looking guy, bay roan-ish. As he changed colors every season, we would be asked if he was an appaloosa. We would laugh and reply, "No, he's just a technicolor dreamhorse." And he really was. Though he would go under a fence if the power was off, let himself into the barn if I wasn't fast enough, and let himself into other horses stalls if I didn't watch out, he was the best horse we could have ever asked for. I would give anything to go out to the barn tonight and face his naughtiness. I wish I had laughed more and yelled less while I could. Blue, you were always raring to go, but now we must let you go. I know I will look for you in the fields tonight, tomorrow, forever. I hope as we end our life's journey we will meet you on the other side, and you, not us, will open the Gates and lead us into Greener Fields. With that silly smile on your horsie face. I love you always.

Genuine Risk

Genuine Risk
1977-2008

Typically, we're all books all the time here, but you can't ignore Genuine Risk. She was basically our Wonder, after all.

The oldest Kentucky Derby winner is now Alysheba.