Band Of Brothers leads all the way in Ramornie Handicap
Trainer Matt Dunn concluded a career-defining season when his quick sprinter Band Of Brothers displayed remarkable stamina to lead from start to finish in the Listed $200,000 Ramornie Handicap (1200m) at Grafton on Wednesday.
Band Of Brothers made amends for a below-par last-start performance and successfully resisted numerous challengers in the final stretch to achieve a highly popular win.
This triumph marked Dunn's first win in a major race at the Grafton Cup Carnival, solidifying his position as the leading trainer in the NSW Northern Rivers region.
With this Ramornie Handicap victory, Band Of Brothers' tally for the 2025/26 season reached 128 winners, placing Dunn sixth in the national trainers' premiership.
The trainer disclosed that the Ramornie was not initially a primary target for Band Of Brothers.
"To be honest, it (Ramornie) was a bit of an afterthought,'' Dunn told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
"He went to the Glasshouse Handicap second-up and he was a bit disappointing but he was probably on the wrong part of the track.
"Today, he found himself in front, fought on really hard and they had the opportunity to get to him in the straight but he really dug deep.''
Band Of Brothers, which firmed into $5 favouritism, received an excellent front-running ride from jockey Dylan Turner, winning the Ramornie by one-and-a-quarter lengths from Pereille ($9), with Givemethebeatboys ($6) a nose behind in third.
Fire Star, burdened by a wide barrier draw, was never in a favourable position but ran on well to secure fourth place, beaten just over a length and a half.
The win in the Ramornie Handicap was the second stakes victory for the rising five-year-old Band Of Brothers, adding to his earlier success in the Group 3 Vain Stakes during his three-year-old year.
Band Of Brothers' race record now stands at five wins and eight placings from 20 starts, with his prize money nearing $630,000.
The highly capable sprinter is now being considered for a start in the lucrative $2 million The Kosciuszko (1200m) on Everest Day at Royal Randwick on October 17.
Discover the best betting markets for the race and get involved in the action.
More Racing News
Guest House makes history at Rosehill Gardens
A remarkable feat was achieved at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday as the Golden Slipper champion, Guest House, not only broke a 35-year-old jinx but also shattered a track record that had stood for almost two decades.In a sensational return to the racetrack, Guest House, partnered by jockey Zac Lloyd, bravely...
Beiwacht outclasses field in Memsie Stakes victory
Chris Waller has made a flying start to the racing season, adding another Group 1 triumph to his impressive record.Having amassed a record 22 top-level wins in the 2025-26 season, Australia's leading trainer has now secured the first two Group 1 contests of the new racing season.Following Autumn Glow's win...
Plagiarism proves too strong in Rosehill's Up And Coming Stakes
Plagiarism demonstrated his class in the Group 3 $250,000 Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, outclassing his rivals to break his maiden status.Co-trainer Adrian Bott indicated that the gelding operation post his two-year-old campaign was likely the catalyst for Plagiarism's improved performance."We have had him in...
Oliveanotherday's Caulfield triumph puts The Everest in focus
Oliveanotherday, hailing from Warrnambool, significantly boosted its chances for a start in The Everest with a commanding performance at Caulfield.Having previously won the Listed Wangoom Handicap during the Warrnambool May Carnival, Oliveanotherday made a successful return from a spell to win the Group 3 The Heath 1100 on Saturday.Under Harry...
Mr Miller's Epsom Handicap Ambitions Grow After Bankstown Sports Handicap Win
The Chris Waller-trained Mr Miller demonstrated his burgeoning talent with a decisive victory in the Bankstown Sports Handicap over 1500 metres.While the race was a benchmark 78, the performance of Mr Miller strongly suggests he is a stakes-level galloper in the making. Plans are now in motion to provide him...
Aethelwulf continues winning streak with dominant Rosehill display
In a masterful display of riding, jockey Zac Lloyd guided the promising stayer Aethelwulf to an easy victory in the Merrylands RSL Handicap over 2000 metres.This win marks the fourth success in five starts this campaign for Aethelwulf, with each victory achieved by substantial margins. His season began with a...
Proxima Dea's VRC Oaks favouritism cemented after Rosehill win
Proxima Dea has ascended to favouritism for the VRC Oaks following her unblemished record continuing with a victory over more experienced horses in the Midway Handicap (1800m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.The race culminated in a thrilling finish, as dashing Doradus established a commanding six-length lead rounding the home turn,...
Deakin gears up for Caulfield Cup start
Deakin is poised to launch his Caulfield Cup campaign with his initial outing at Caulfield this Saturday.With the Melbourne Cup now out of contention for the French-bred stayer, trainer Phillip and Tommy Stokes are singularly focused on Deakin's preparation.The Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) on Saturday marks the beginning, leading into...
King Charles III Stakes is the target for Autumn Glow
The decision regarding Autumn Glow's primary spring carnival objective has been announced by owner John Messara and trainer Chris Waller, bringing an end to months of speculation.Having been awarded Australian Horse of the Year at the Racing Night of Champions ceremony in Sydney on Thursday evening, Autumn Glow had attracted...
Jimmysstar ready for Melbourne return in Memsie Stakes
Jimmysstar is slated to make one of his infrequent Victorian appearances, commencing his spring campaign at Caulfield in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes.The Ciaron Maher-trained galloper has been a consistent performer and a significant money-earner for the stable, boasting over $8.8 million in prize money from 11 wins and nine...