A true winner, Ruffian dominated every race she was in before breaking a leg in a match race against colt Foolish Pleasure. Ruffian worsened her broken leg by continuing to run on it, not wanting to lose. Tragically, during surgery she awoke under anesthesia and thrashed about, clearly wanting to run. This would break the cast and further damage her injury, requiring more surgery that veterinarians knew she wouldn't survive. Ruffian was buried in Belmont, her nose pointing to the finish line.
