Foolish Pleasure’s Won yet Lost Battle to Ruffian: Timeless Thoroughbreds

Technically, Foolish Pleasure won the race on that ill-fated day of 6th July at Belmont but did he really earn it? Born at around the same time of the year as his biggest contender ever, Ruffian, Foolish Pleasure was probably one amongst the most unfortunate horses to have had to face critical rivalry of female horses; and despite winning the match race, which was much popularized as “the battle of the sexes”, he end up with a compromised victory, one that was never really well-deserved or earned either. rnFoolish Pleasure was foaled in the Williston city of the sunshine state of Florida in 1972. The colt, sired by What a Pleasure was grand-sired by Bold Ruler. Most Bold Ruler descendants presented an exemplary achievement on the racing arena in variety of categories, and Foolish Pleasure was no exception. Living up to his pedigree, the colt was ranked one amongst the top trio of North American thoroughbreds. rnFoolish Pleasure was owned by the John L. Greer and was conditioned by trainer LeRoy Jolley. Despite being the heavy favourite at Kentucky Derby and also winning it, the most crucial race for Foolish Pleasure didn’t materialize unless his owner and trainer agreed to the “Battle of the Sexes” against the “Queen of Fillies”, Ruffian. rnUntil he did that, he had already won the Champagne Stakes, the Hopeful Stakes and the Tremont Stakes as a two year old. The Champion Two Year Old of 1974, followed a similar winning pattern in 1975 also, capturing the crucial Derby prep race at Wood Memorial and re-establishing himself at the winner’s circle to reinforce the fact that he was the best colt that season. But in the background, among the fillies, Ruffian was gaining momentum as a top thoroughbred easily capable of destroying a male field as well with equal calibre as she did amongst fillies and mares. rnThe Pimlico Special on July 6th in 1975 was initially scheduled to feature the top three colts of the season along with Ruffian; however, in order to pep up the thrill and anticipation associated with a match race of such grand level, the other two starters apart from the filly and Foolish Pleasure were granted 50 grands each to drop from the competition. This not only raised the bar of the competition but provided the much anticipated competition a “deadlier expectation”. rnRuffian kicked off to a great start keeping Foolsih Pleasure in the background for most of the distance until she shattered her sesamoids in numerable places and could not finish the race. The injury contracted emerged to be fatal ending her ‘undefeated’ racing career and life with an unfinished race. Foolish Pleasure won the Pimlico Special though it never was truly credited to his efforts. rnThe Two Year Old Champion went on to win the Donn Handicap in his four year old campaign. He also conquered the Suburban Handicap and the Washington Park Handicap. rnFoolish Pleasure was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995 and ranked number 97 on world’s top 100. Ruffian was ranked 35. rnFoolish Pleasure was a timeless race horse that became victim to unfortunate situations that forced him into victories that never came to be known for his effort. His memorable rivalry with Ruffian is one of the greatest and can be relived through online racing on www.horseracegame.com. To get started, register and kick off your experiences with the racing world’s finest in a virtual 3D simulated gaming platform.