ISLANDBRIDGE SPRINT STARTS FRIDAY

Ian Fortune

The draw for the 1XBET Islandbridge Sprint went online late yesterday evening and there will be some talented sprinters on show in the two-bend stake.

Jack Kennelly won last year’s stake with his subsequent sprinter of the year Sogna Ancora but sadly he won’t be defending his title.

Kennelly does have a big player in the stake, however, with the exciting Bomber Nina lining out in Heat 2 where she faces talented sprinters Tiermana Dream and Valderrama. Tiermana Dream was last seen capturing the open sprint on Kirby Memorial final night, while Valderrama has long been a top class and highly consistent sprinter.  

Stonepark Browne returns to Shelbourne in the opening heat. One of the very best in the business, he will be a popular choice for outright honours but faces a tough opening round assignment with recent Supersprint winner Droopys Apollo, former Irish Sprint Cup runner-up and top class sprinter Elite Kursk and the in-form Microchip amongst his rivals.

Droopys Scampi will be seen as the one to beat in the final heat after two superb displays in recent weeks at Shelbourne. An 18.45 winner last time out, she is clearly a young sprinter with a big future. Her rivals include decent recent winner Portrush Ben and the very intriguing newcomer Im Here.

The full draw for the opening round of the Islandbridge Sprint can be found at: https://www.grireland.ie/racing/upcoming-race-cards/upcoming-race-card-summary/?track=SPK&id=118444&date=08-May-2026