ANCORA SPRINTS TO ISLANDBRIDGE GLORY

Ian Fortune

Jack Kennelly and the members of the Swedish House Party Syndicate floated back to the Kingdom on Friday night after witnessing their brilliant youngster, Swift Ancora, maintaining his unbeaten career record in the final of the Islandbridge Open Sprint.  

This was a contest packed with real quality but none could match Sogna Ancora as he made it six wins from six starts to land the €5,000 prize. Stonepark Browne was sent to traps the 2-1 favourite with Epic Ace the 5-2 second choice.  

Sogna Ancora came next at 3-1, while the Pat Buckley trained duo of Road Exile and Southwind Wild were both available at 5-1. Right from the start this was an intriguing contest. Southwind Wild flew from the outside box to hold a narrow advantage into the bend but Sogna Ancora was always perfectly positioned on his inside. 

Stonepark Browne was also close to the pace in third while Epic Ace flew into the turn as he attempted to launch a challenge. Something had to give. Sogna Ancora drove the corner to go to the front, while Epic Ace ran out of room as Stonepark Browne edged off the corner. 

Suddenly, Sogna Ancora was clear and on his way to glory. Stonepark Browne quickly recovered to give chase but there was no stopping the pace-setter. Sogna Ancora stayed on strongly to secure a deserving length and a half victory in a rapid 18.55 (rated .10 fast). Stonepark Browne was second with Epic Ace another three lengths adrift in third. 

Conor Matthews Racing Manager Shelbourne Park presents the trophy to Dan Foley and the Swedish House Party Syndicate after Sogna Ancora won the 2025 Islandbridge Open 350 final. Also included is David Kennelly representing  his son Jack Kennelly (trainer).         Pic: Imelda Grauer