Soldier In Milan won the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Monday.
The pre-race favourite [6-1] made his move with five fences remaining to get in front and power home.
Meyler’s Delight
Donagh Meyler rode Soldier In Milan to victory.
Trained by Emmet Mullins, the seven-year-old made up for disappointment at the Grade 3 novice chase in Thurles last month.
Meyler told RTE Sport: “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.”
“We’re up there numbers-wise – it’s our best season – but this is just unbelievable.
He travelled too well, he jumped so sweet throughout and I landed in front five out and I could just hear Emmet chewing the ear off me in my own mind, but he’s a class horse, class trainer, class owner and I just feel so lucky to be involved with these people.”
The Race to the Finish
The 30-strong field made its way around the three mile, five furlong circuit with Monbeg Genius leading the pack.
Soldier in Milan managed to get ahead at a crucial time with Kill Will falling at the third fence from home.
Showurappreciation [10-1] finished second, The Enabler [28-1] third and Argento Boy in fourth [16-1].
While Showurappreciation and The Enabler attempted to put the pressure on, there was no stopping the winner who raced to the line 16 lengths clear.
Popular Winner
- Donagh Meyler rode Soldier In Milan.
- Emmet Mullins trained the winner.
- Soldier In Milan was the pre-race favourite.
Soldier In Milan made up for disappointment at the Grade 3 novice chase in Thurles last month.