Whiteley Jr., Vasquez sue Walt Disney over Ruffian

[Riot]

We'll see what aspect of Ruffian's life is most emphasized within the movie, and sensitivity or lack of it regarding her final hours. Following your posted logic, Nack shouldn't have written a book about her in the first place. Nonsense.

The whole suit smacks of the obvious financial opportunism. Surprised Shirley Cunningham isn't involved.

Nack and the producers are the ones who sought financial gain in this matter. Whiteley and Vasquez refused to accept "blood" money to exploit this filly. Nack's book was written after the production was completed and it is obvious from the lawsuit that the producers were seeking some way to justify "inserting" him into the story so they could tell it without cooperation from people who were actually central to her story.

[letswastemoney]

Isn't there a different book out there? That was the first time I ever read or heard anything about Ruffian. The ending bummed me out since I didn't know she died

[Danzig]

not surprised to see that a suit was filed after getting the most recent bloodhorse, in which whitely said he didn't have 'a damn thing' to do with the movie.

they tried to cut a deal a few years ago with the trainer and jock, but didn't come to terms....so they went on without. you can't do that.
so, they'll have to insert some sort of disclaimer, and that will be that.

they can't say it's a true story, since nack truly wasn't involved. so they have to say 'based on'.

I have to wonder if Jane Schwartz, author of Ruffian, Burning from the Start, one of the finest racing books ever written despite the ending, didn't refuse to sell the rights to the ESPN/Disney people. It is unimaginable that they didn't approach her when this project was conceptualized. Perhaps, like Whiteley and Vasquez, she wanted no part of this exploitation of the filly. She clearly had the cooperation of all involved when penning her tasteful and truthful tribute.

[blackthroatedwind]

I wonder what your hidden agenda is here Concern. You seem to be coming on pretty strong for just a casual observer.

No hidden agenda. I'm a huge Ruffian fan and, like many, was tremendously affected by her tragic death. I think this movie is terrible for racing and, from reading other message boards, many folks agree with me. I am glad that this lawsuit is bringing attention to the fraud and exploitation that this movie is.