This Week in Horse History - July 5th Through July 11th

July 6th, 1975 - The filly Ruffian ran in the famous match race against Kentucky Derby winner Foolish Pleasure. Held at Belmont Park, the match race was a battle of the sexes of the racing world. Ruffian led for most of the race and was pulling away when she shattered her front right leg. Although she was rushed into surgery, Ruffian would ultimately be put down the next day. She was buried in the infield, her nose pointing toward the finish line.

Information courtesy of On the 30th Anniversary of Ruffian's Last Race

Photo courtesy of Ruffian Remembered

July 7th, 1934 - Mary Hirsch became the first licensed female Thoroughbred trainer. Hirsch had applied to be a trainer in New York in 1932, but her application was turned down. Hirsch was finally licensed in Illinois in 1934, and later that year she was also licensed in Michigan. Hirsch both owned and trained racehorses, and her father, Max Hirsch, won the 1936 Kentucky Derby with Bold Venture.

Information courtesy of Kentucky Derby Women Horse Trainers

Photo courtesy of Women Horse Trainers

July 11th, 1916 - The famous pacer Dan Patch died. During his entire career, Dan Patch never lost a race. He set a record of 1:55 minute mile at the 1906 Minnesota State Fair, and the record stood for the next 54 years. Dan Patch was retired to stud in 1909. He died of heart problems on July 11th. At the time of Dan Patch's death, M. E. Savage, his owner, was recovering from surgery. News of Dan Patch’s death deeply troubled Savage, and Savage himself died the very next day.