Soldier In Milan raced clear to win the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Monday.
The pre-race favorite [6-1] jumped brilliantly across the course, making his transfer with 5 fences remaining to get in entrance and energy dwelling with Showurappreciation [10-1] second, The Enabler [28-1] third and Argento Boy in fourth [16-1].
Ridden by Donagh Meyler and skilled by Emmet Mullins, the seven-year-old proved a well-liked winner because it made up for disappointment at the Grade 3 novice chase in Thurles final month.
“I had a lot of ups and downs this season with horses not winning, getting beaten on horses and in stewards rooms but this makes up for it all,” a delighted Meyler instructed RTE Sport.
“We’re up there numbers-wise – it’s our best season – but this is just unbelievable.
“He travelled too properly, he jumped so candy all through and I landed in entrance 5 out and I may simply hear Emmet chewing the ear off me in my very own thoughts, however he is a category horse, class coach, class proprietor and I simply really feel so fortunate to be concerned with these individuals.”
It seemed like it was set to go to the wire as the 30-strong field made its way around the three mile, five furlong circuit with Monbeg Genius leading the pack, but Soldier in Milan managed to get ahead at a crucial time with Kill Will falling at the third fence from home.
While Showurappreciation and The Enabler tried to place the stress on, there was no stopping the winner who raced to the road 16 lengths clear.
