Whiteley Jr., Vasquez sue Walt Disney over Ruffian

Unlike Barbaro's situation that spawned some positives in fundraising, etc., there was nothing beneficial for the industry as a result of Ruffian's demise and many scribes have pointed to her breakdown as the industry's darkest day. Nevertheless, I don't suggest that her story shouldn't be told and there have been a number of well-done documentaries that showcased her extraordinary career. This movie, though, is not only unnecessary but also factually incorrect and inaccurately presented if one is to believe quotes attributed to her trainer, Frank Whiteley, in the legal documents and various interviews. Whiteley is on record as stating that he has no problem with the movie if the facts were properly presented. This man was not interested in personal financial gain, as is evidenced by the fact that one of his terms not agreed upon in negotiations to sell his story was that a portion be donated to thoroughbred charities. I'll go out on a limb here, but my money says that Nack requested no such clause when negotiating his compensation.

[SniperSB23]

Originally Posted by Concern

Unlike Barbaro's situation that spawned some positives in fundraising, etc., there was nothing beneficial for the industry as a result of Ruffian's demise and many scribes have pointed to her breakdown as the industry's darkest day. Nevertheless, I don't suggest that her story shouldn't be told and there have been a number of well-done documentaries that showcased her extraordinary career. This movie, though, is not only unnecessary but also factually incorrect and inaccurately presented if one is to believe quotes attributed to her trainer, Frank Whiteley, in the legal documents and various interviews. Whiteley is on record as stating that he has no problem with the movie if the facts were properly presented. This man was not interested in personal financial gain, as is evidenced by the fact that one of his terms not agreed upon in negotiations to sell his story was that a portion be donated to thoroughbred charities. I'll go out on a limb here, but my money says that Nack requested no such clause when negotiating his compensation.

We get the point dude, you're his lawyer. Now move on cause no one cares.

[Riot]

Originally Posted by Concern

Unlike Barbaro's situation that spawned some positives in fundraising, etc., there was nothing beneficial for the industry as a result of Ruffian's demise ....

Barbaro (and others) now recover from anesthesia in a pool, rather than within the typical padded recovery room.

There's one.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by Concern

Unlike Barbaro's situation that spawned some positives in fundraising, etc., there was nothing beneficial for the industry as a result of Ruffian's demise and many scribes have pointed to her breakdown as the industry's darkest day. Nevertheless, I don't suggest that her story shouldn't be told and there have been a number of well-done documentaries that showcased her extraordinary career. This movie, though, is not only unnecessary but also factually incorrect and inaccurately presented if one is to believe quotes attributed to her trainer, Frank Whiteley, in the legal documents and various interviews. Whiteley is on record as stating that he has no problem with the movie if the facts were properly presented. This man was not interested in personal financial gain, as is evidenced by the fact that one of his terms not agreed upon in negotiations to sell his story was that a portion be donated to thoroughbred charities. I'll go out on a limb here, but my money says that Nack requested no such clause when negotiating his compensation.

Another cheap shot at Nack.

The internet is working well for you.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Concern

Unlike Barbaro's situation that spawned some positives in fundraising, etc., there was nothing beneficial for the industry as a result of Ruffian's demise and many scribes have pointed to her breakdown as the industry's darkest day. Nevertheless, I don't suggest that her story shouldn't be told and there have been a number of well-done documentaries that showcased her extraordinary career. This movie, though, is not only unnecessary but also factually incorrect and inaccurately presented if one is to believe quotes attributed to her trainer, Frank Whiteley, in the legal documents and various interviews. Whiteley is on record as stating that he has no problem with the movie if the facts were properly presented. This man was not interested in personal financial gain, as is evidenced by the fact that one of his terms not agreed upon in negotiations to sell his story was that a portion be donated to thoroughbred charities. I'll go out on a limb here, but my money says that Nack requested no such clause when negotiating his compensation.

ruffians death didn't add anything, that's true. BUT treatment and handling of injuries have taken great strides, the vets learned a lot from her care, and others like her.

as for nack, you seem to have an issue with him--perhaps that explains your feelings about the movie...

[LARHAGE]

Originally Posted by Concern

Unlike Barbaro's situation that spawned some positives in fundraising, etc., there was nothing beneficial for the industry as a result of Ruffian's demise and many scribes have pointed to her breakdown as the industry's darkest day. Nevertheless, I don't suggest that her story shouldn't be told and there have been a number of well-done documentaries that showcased her extraordinary career. This movie, though, is not only unnecessary but also factually incorrect and inaccurately presented if one is to believe quotes attributed to her trainer, Frank Whiteley, in the legal documents and various interviews. Whiteley is on record as stating that he has no problem with the movie if the facts were properly presented. This man was not interested in personal financial gain, as is evidenced by the fact that one of his terms not agreed upon in negotiations to sell his story was that a portion be donated to thoroughbred charities. I'll go out on a limb here, but my money says that Nack requested no such clause when negotiating his compensation.

Ruffian's tragic death was in fact the impetus to the remarkable surgery and after care that horses are receiving today. It's hard to even read a veterinary article on breaks without Ruffians name being mentioned, and in fact the Equine Hospital that serves the Southern California racetracks has a beautiful painting of Ruffian in the waiting room, with a tribute to her and an article listing all the advances since that day. Ruffian was the first race horse I absolutely loved and though I can vividly remember the heartbreak of her ordeal, she was far too great to not have a movie or story, there are so many race fans even on this board who knew nothing of her accomplishments. It's long overdue in my opinion, I just hope they do her memory justice.

[Unstable]

I have so many mixed feelings regarding this thread.

I want to know more about Ruffian now (although I do remember reading about the match race at the time), so I ordered Jane Schwartz's book on Amazon. So maybe that's a positive about the movie. I'm also planning to read William Nack's book on Secretariat, which was highly praised. I'm not so sure about his book on Ruffian. It's only about 100 pages, and seems to be more a book of his thoughts relating to Ruffian, rather than being about the filly. If it had been a book "based on the movie," as I feared it was, I would have given it a definite pass.

The bad reviews, as well as the lawsuits, are troubling. I won't watch the movie, but I will tape it, for possible later viewing. I still can't forget seeing Go For Wand's breakdown in the Breeders' Cup. A dramatized breakdown, no matter how tastefully done, is not something I really want to watch. Please, whoever watches the movie, write a review for DerbyTrail. I trust the opinions of the people here more than movie/television critics.

[Riot]

Originally Posted by Unstable

I want to know more about Ruffian now (although I do remember reading about the match race at the time), so I ordered Jane Schwartz's book on Amazon..

Her book is excellent, IMO.

[Riot]

Originally Posted by Unstable

I still can't forget seeing Go For Wand's breakdown in the Breeders' Cup. A dramatized breakdown, no matter how tastefully done, is not something I really want to watch .

I recall in vet school, the first day of equine orthopaedics, the professor said nothing, turned out the lights, and showed about 10 minutes of video, including Go For Wand. In slow motion.

That's the start. Seeing and knowing that - and you have to see it, and more importantly, feel it - is what lights the fire in your mind and heart and hands, to devote a lifetime to medicine. To make it better.

[Unstable]

Originally Posted by Riot

I recall in vet school, the first day of equine orthopaedics, the professor said nothing, turned out the lights, and showed about 10 minutes of video, including Go For Wand. In slow motion.

That's the start. Seeing and knowing that - and you have to see it, and more importantly, feel it - is what lights the fire in your mind and heart and hands, to devote a lifetime to medicine. To make it better.

I taped that Breeders' Cup. I've never been able to watch that tape.

[Riot]

Originally Posted by Unstable

I taped that Breeders' Cup. I've never been able to watch that tape.

Either could most of the veterinary students.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Unstable

I have so many mixed feelings regarding this thread.

I want to know more about Ruffian now (although I do remember reading about the match race at the time), so I ordered Jane Schwartz's book on Amazon. So maybe that's a positive about the movie. I'm also planning to read William Nack's book on Secretariat, which was highly praised. I'm not so sure about his book on Ruffian. It's only about 100 pages, and seems to be more a book of his thoughts relating to Ruffian, rather than being about the filly. If it had been a book "based on the movie," as I feared it was, I would have given it a definite pass.

The bad reviews, as well as the lawsuits, are troubling. I won't watch the movie, but I will tape it, for possible later viewing. I still can't forget seeing Go For Wand's breakdown in the Breeders' Cup. A dramatized breakdown, no matter how tastefully done, is not something I really want to watch. Please, whoever watches the movie, write a review for DerbyTrail. I trust the opinions of the people here more than movie/television critics.

i have schwartz' book, it's very good. i highly recommend it to anyone who likes to read, and likes to read about horses. of course the end is difficult, but everyone has to expect that i suppose.
another book i enjoyed is nan mooneys 'my racing heart'--not about any one horse, but by a horse lover and racing enthusiast.

[Unstable]

Originally Posted by Danzig

i have schwartz' book, it's very good. i highly recommend it to anyone who likes to read, and likes to read about horses. of course the end is difficult, but everyone has to expect that i suppose.
another book i enjoyed is nan mooneys 'my racing heart'--not about any one horse, but by a horse lover and racing enthusiast.

I'll check it out. Thanks!

[Danzig]

you're welcome.
also have the newest man o war, it's ok--learned a bit, but not much new--but a good book for anyone who hasn't read about the original 'big red'. of course seabiscuit is phenomenal, so much better than the movie. have all the t'bred legends--they're ok.

oh...and i have some of the black stallion books! lol read one every now and then, a bit of light reading.