RAMPANT RAMONA THE STAR AT NEWBRIDGE

Ian Fortune

The latest star name to emerge from the Brownstown Tango & NTSC Open Unraced Bitch 525 is that of Chelms Ramona.

Formerly known as Ballyhimikinluck, the daughter of Ballyhimikin Jet and Slaneyside Poppy was rampant in the decider, landing the €6,500 prize in hugely impressive fashion for owners Billy Dunne and Lee Harris.

Burgess Orlaith was fastest into stride from the inside box but Chelms Ramona displayed immediate acceleration to charge to the front into the turn. So too did the favourite Boylesports Coco but she couldn’t get on terms with Chelms Ramona.

With the latter running a tremendous corner, Boylesports Coco found herself some three and a half lengths adrift as they entered the back straight. Thereafter, it was all very straight forward for the pace-setter. 

Posting a superb 17.22 to the third turn, Chelms Ramona was always comfortable out front and she duly cruised home a four length scorer in a rapid 28.49. Boylesports Coco ran with credit in second, while Sunshine Zoe stayed on strongly to take third, just a length and a half further adrift.    

While the clocks through the competition were behind those of recent years, one suspects that was down to cold conditions. The winner and runner-up are certainly destined for big things while most of those in the line-up will compete at the highest level.

Peter Cronin confirmed that Chelms Ramona has now joined his kennel and will be switched to Shelbourne Park where she will have a few races before a crack at the Oaks. A huge well done to her connections and also to those that ran the competition. It has given these bitches the perfect start to their racing career.