A WILD NIGHT AT DUNDALK AS SOUTHWIND TAKES IRISH SPRINT CUP

Ian Fortune

Southwind Wild raced to a wonderful victory in the 2025 Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup at Dundalk on Friday night, containing the late charge of Droopy Patriot and Broadstrand Syd in a remarkable finish.

This was a contest decided at the opening turn with those on the inside of the track held up, while Southwind Wild swept into a clear advantage. He needed every inch of his lead as both Droopys Patriot and Broadstrand Syd flew home.

A CLOSE BATTLE

From the opening stride, it was clear this was going to be a wonderful battle.

Droopys Patriot and Southwind Wild both flashed from traps to dispute the early lead with Broadstrand Syd just behind. Stonepark Browne was also close, while Ballymac Brandan had the inside line with Epic Ace giving his rivals a had start at traps.

There was just a length and a half between the six runners as they hit the turn with Southwind Wild and Droopys Patriot still fighting it out up front, although Broadstrand Syd was now attempting to come between the duo.

SOMETHING HAD TO GIVE  

With so little space on offer, something had to give and it was perhaps no surprise to see Droopys Patriot lose his momentum.

Forced to check on the turn, he held up Broadstrand Syd and also forced Ballymac Brandan and Stonepark Browne to dab on the brakes, while Epic Ace couldn’t get a run on the outside of the track.

In contrast, Southwind Wild drove the corner to move into a near two and a half length advantage as they turned for home. With just the long run for home to cover, Southwind Wild was in pole position for Pat Buckley and Bill Wood.

The son of Dorotas Wildcat and Mucky Harbour was on his way to a famous success, although he had to dig deep in the closing yards. Droopys Patriot and Broadstrand Syd were now in the clear and advancing fast.

A PHOTO CALLED

For those watching on screens and on the stands, Southwind Wild seemed to be well up at the line but the angle is incredibly deceptive.

A photo finish was called and the verdict would eventually go to Southwind Wild but only by a short head. In what was his nineteenth career outing, Southwind Wild would stop the clock in 21.09 to become a classic winner.

Droopys Patriot ran his heart out with his connections ruing his opening bend traffic. Broadstrand Syd just couldn’t overcome the draw in his pursuit of a second Irish Sprint Cup title. But take nothing away from Southwind Wild. He did what was needed. Smashing from traps, holding his position and riving the opening turn, he made his own luck. It was a remarkable competition throughout and it provided a fitting conclusion, going right to the wire.