The RUFFIAN Handicap is named for the electrifying three year old filly champion of 1975 who was bred, owned and raced by the Locust Hill Farm of Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Janney. Ruffian went to the post 11 times during her lifetime, winning the first 10 while never being headed and almost always in record time. In her 11th start, a match race against Foolish Pleasure, Ruffian broke down while in front and suffered a fatal injury. Ruffian, a daughter of Reviewer from the Native Dancer mare Shenanigans, won the two year old filly crown in 1974, and in 1975 showed her brilliance in capturing New York's Triple Tiara for Fillies, leading to her election to the Hall of Fame at Saratoga in 1976.

In its short history the RUFFIAN has had some illustrious winners: Kentucky Derby winner Genuine Risk won in 1980, and Lady's Secret was voted Horse of the Year in 1986, following her second Ruffian victory in a row.

The RUFFIAN Handicap was run at a mile and a quarter in 1976; at a mile and an eighth from 1977 to 1989. In 1987, Sacahuista finished first, but was disqualified.