Soldier In Milan raced clear to win the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Monday.
The pre-race favourite [6-1] jumped brilliantly around the course, making his move with five fences remaining to get in front and power home with Showurappreciation [10-1] second, The Enabler [28-1] third and Argento Boy in fourth [16-1].
Ridden by Donagh Meyler and trained by Emmet Mullins, the seven-year-old proved a popular winner as it made up for disappointment at the Grade 3 novice chase in Thurles last 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 told RTE Sport.
“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.”
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 attempted to put the pressure on, there was no stopping the winner who raced to the line 16 lengths clear.