That breakthrough win came at The Curragh on 28 September 2025 — one of Ireland's most prestigious tracks and a course that regularly stages some of the biggest races in the calendar. Winning there, even once, means something. It is not the kind of place where average horses get their moment in the sun. The fact that South Island got its head in front at such a venue suggests there is genuine quality lurking beneath the inconsistent form.
The distance picture is worth noting too. At a mile and one to a mile and two furlongs — roughly the middle distances — South Island has won 1 from 4 races, a 25% win rate. That is a much stronger return than its overall record suggests, pointing to a horse that is finding its best conditions rather than simply stumbling into form.
It is trained by Donnacha Aidan O'Brien out of Ballyroe in County Tipperary, a yard that has sent out 30 winners already this season. That kind of output signals a well-run, active operation, and it means South Island is competing alongside proven performers day in, day out. With that environment behind it, and having raced just yesterday, this is a horse that is clearly being kept busy and moving forward through its campaign. Whether the Curragh win proves to be a turning point or a single highlight remains to be seen, but right now, South Island looks like a horse with more to offer.
| Course | Races | Results | Last visited | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leopardstown Galloping |
3 | 1 second, 2 other | 12 Apr | 0% |
| The Curragh Galloping |
2 | 1 win, 1 other | 28 Sep | 50% |
| Tipperary Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 31 Aug | 0% |