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Summary: superb, heart-wrenching book
Review: great book about the best racing filly of all time: ruffian. some experienced horseplayers swear that ruffian could have beaten any thoroughbred that has ever raced in a 6f sprint. also read nack's bio on secretariat, the finest thoroughbred racer of all time.
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Summary: I read it in two days
Review: I almost didn't read this wonderful book because I knew how it ended. But I am so glad that I devoured it this weekend because it was uplifting in its story of such a special filly. I also learned so much about every aspect of horse racing. The filly's human family was depicted as caring and smart horsemen. But the best part was getting to know Ruffian who lived to run.
Rating:
Summary: Even though I knew the ending, I couldn't put it down.
Review: I always loved and admired Ruffian and I actually went into mourning when she had to be put down. Why should such a beautiful animal with such a big heart die so early? I thought I knew all there was about Ruffian until I read this book. It takes you into her and everyone connected to her. It was a very informative book and I felt like I was walking among everyone involved. Jane was so informative - but it didn't feel like information, she put so much feeling into it. I felt I was reliving it all over again. It was a wonderful tribute to a champion. I just wish she was around a little longer. She was called up to heaven much too early.
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Summary: It brought back sad and fond memories of Ruffian.
Review: I always thought that Ruffian was going to be the greatest. Even better then Man O' War, who I consider one of the greatest. Watching her run, you knew something was going to happen. She was good, and set records, but what set her apart was the ability to be able to compete and win with ease among a sport that was usually won only by Colts. Something that you didn't see a Filly do very often without an effort. She made it look easy. When she ran I always had goosebumps. I know I only got to see her run on TV, but you could feel the power even then. I was watching the race in which she broke her leg. I was in horror and sickened when I found out she had to be put down. This book was very well written. It told me things about Ruffian that I didn't know. And I relived Ruffian all over again, even though it has been several years. A great book for a great Filly! Up until now, when I wanted to read this book I got it from the library. I could never find anyplace to buy it from and I just discovered Amazon.com. Now I can add this book it to my own library. Lynne
Rating:
Summary: Heart Wrenching!
Review: I am an avid collector of Ruffian's and probably her biggest fan. I have a horse that looks just like her, except he has two socks on the left side. I have read and purchased every book I can find about her, but I must say this book was the most well written book I have come across. She was a magnificent horse and I wish I was old enough to remember her when she was out there, running for the shear thrill of it. She can run free and without pain now, if they had saved her, she would have never been happy, running is what she lived for. God gave us a glimpse of what perfection can be, he gave us Ruffian.
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Summary: still burning in my heart
Review: I had heard a few scattered stories about Ruffian, just enough to pique my curiosity. I was lent this book and I started reading it and could not put it down. Such a courageous filly. Such a superstar. Such a tragic end. Get your kleenex - read it and weep. I have read this book three times now, every couple of years since I first was given this book to read. I have bought it for myself and I have bought copies for other people. These are not necessarily "horse race people". All say the same thing - a wonderfully written story about a once in a lifetime kind of horse.
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Summary: An on depth look into racing
Review: I have known about the filly Ruffian since I was in third grade and read Claflin's book. This book is much more detailed--Claflin's is for younger readers, but has more beautiful photos--while Shwartz's is for adults. It always makes me cry, and I always have to reread it every couple of years. This book is the crown jewel of any Ruffian collection (I have books and magazine clippings and pictures). The story is so amazing even people who are not interested in horses or racing will love it. A fantastic and loving tribute to one of the most amazing, talented, and beautiful animals the world has ever seen. It should be made into a movie.
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Summary: a page turner
Review: i love thoroughbreds - especially mares. i found the story of ruffian riveting and emotional. this is the story of a phenomenol race horse who at the age of 2 was beating the times of secretariet. the goings-on in the backstretch are accurately depicted and i found the stories of the trainers, jockies and owners very intriguing and entertaining. i cried at the end of this wonderful little book and went outside and gave my thoroughbred mare a great big hug (and thanked the racing gods she was too slow when she raced and retired early.) you will not be disappointed with this one.
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Summary: Ruffian: Burning from the Start by Jane Schwartz
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this compelling story of the legendary Ruffian. Jane Schwartz has beautifully crafted this story full of passion and historical detail, and to someone who had absolutely no knowledge of the anatomy or physiology of the animals, fascinating information about race horses themselves. In addition, there is the subtlety of the filly's promise and prominence during a time of feminist consciousness. Obviously comparisons with Sea Biscuit will be made, and they are both rich chronicles of different horses at different historical times - and with very different outcomes. I found this to be a wonderful book which I am highly recommending to everyone I know.
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Summary: A Wonderful Telling of A Tragic Story
Review: I was 12 years old in 1975 and was eagerlly anticipating the match race between that year's Kentucky Derby winning colt Foolish Pleasure and the undefeated, unchallenged filly Ruffian. But circumstances did not allow me to watch the race on TV that day, but I did hear about Ruffian's tragic breakdown that evening on the news. I still remember to this day the emptiness of hearing the news of her demise.Jane Schwartz gives a wonderful account of Ruffian's all-to-short life and career. Interviews are conducted with owner connections, trainers and jockey Jacinto Vasquez, who was the regular rider of both Foolish Pleasure and Ruffian and thus has a unique perspective. It all culminates with her graphic description of her breakdown and the superhuman efforts that were made to save her to no avail. It's a mix of an entertaining and sad read. It doesn't have a happy end, so if that is what you are looking for, don't read it. But it probably is the best depiction of the highs and lows of the Sport of Kings.
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