September 7, 1999. Copyright, 1999, Graphic News. All rights reserved

RAMRUMA AIMS FOR GLORY IN THE ST LEGER
By Midge Todhunter

LONDON, September 7, Graphic News:  THE ST LEGER Stakes Ð the worldÕs oldest Classic, first staged in 1776 over the same mile and six furlongs of DoncasterÕs Town Moor racecourse Ð is all set for a vintage race this Saturday.
This yearÕs 223rd running has attracted EuropeÕs top performers including the 1999 triple Oaks winner Ramruma, heroine of the Epsom Oaks (the filliesÕ Derby), the Irish Oaks at The Curragh and the Yorkshire Oaks at YorkÕs big meeting last month. She is bidding to become the first filly since the remarkable grey User Friendly Ð which also won the same three prep races Ð in 1992 to land the final classic of the British season.
Trained by Henry Cecil, who has already won three of the 1999 British classics and the St Leger on four previous occasions, Ramruma is easily the most brilliant filly of recent years and pundits are confident she will maintain her unbeaten three-year-old record.
Record-shattering young Irish trainer and Ònew kid on the blockÓ Aidan OÕBrien Ð in that he has never previously had a runner in the St Leger Ð has three lively contenders in Moon Dragon, a half brother to 1995 St Leger winner Moonax, Genghis Khan, half brother to 1991 Epsom Derby winner Generous, and Uran Ocean, possibly the dark horse of the trio.
Further spice was added to this fascinating contest this week with news that Tchaikovsky, third to Montjeu in the Irish Derby at the end of June, has new owners and has already been supplemented at a fee of £20,000 to run in the big race. 
/ENDS