Never Forget Ruffian
By Emily Hufford 14

The cold, fateful day
Even still haunts us all
When the black filly ran
And we, stunned, watched her fall.
Divine from the heavens
Unbeaten and free
Ruffian could fly
And she made the world see.
A gift sent from God
She descended upon earth
Too noble, too regal
From the time of her birth.
A symbol, an icon
Everyone knew her name
Yet nothing could burn out
Her furious flame.
She ran with great power
She floated with grace
She left shocked expressions
Upon each gaping face.
Even though she's gone
Please remember her well
She gave us her heart
Each time she heard the bell.
From the moment she stumbled
We'd lost something great
A tragedy, unnerving –
She was in the hands of fate

Emily's poem originally appeared at www.stablegate.com

Stablegate.com Editor's Note: The immortal Thoroughbred filly Ruffian was undefeated and was never even headed in her 10 races prior to a fateful match race on July 6, 1975. More than 18 million people were watching (on TV) as she tragically lost her life that day.