The Irish Grand National was set up to be one of the most competitive handicaps of the jumps season. Instead, it was turned into a procession to the delight of the Fairyhouse crowd.
The bookmakers took a beating as the well-backed favourite Soldier In Milan was in splendid isolation after the last. His trainer Emmet Mullins is no stranger to winning a National with a novice, having stunned Aintree with 50/1 shot Noble Yeats in 2022.
This victory was different, however. As Donagh Meyler shook the reins after the penultimate fence, at which his apparent main danger Kiss Will fell, the response was to gallop remorselessly clear. Always prominent, the seven-year-old needed mere hands and heels to come home alone.
Soldier In Milan’s 16-length winning margin was emphatic and set him up as a horse to follow next season. He will likely rise to a mark well into the 150s, and Graded contests may well await over staying trips.
“It’s an honour and a privilege” – Mullins
Emmet Mullins was reaping the rewards of both confidence and patience with Soldier In Milan. His charge was boldly sent straight over fences this season, without taking in hurdles, though this was his fifth run as his handler provided him with ample chasing experience.
His one win in four starts came against Kiss Will, with Graded assignments proving narrowly beyond him. That all changed here as the greater step up in trip, coupled with a first-time tongue tie, paid dividends.
The fact he became the public’s champion as a well-backed favourite also meant a lot to Mullins.
“A well-backed favourite winning an Irish National is something special and he was greatly received here today. It’s an honour and a privilege,” Mullins said afterwards, as reported by the Irish Times.
“It’s been the plan, there’s no hiding that fact, since the start of the season when we decided we were going over fences. We decided to keep low mileage and get the four runs he needed to qualify. It was well-executed, I suppose. There are lots of plans that go awry but that was magic.”
Mullins’ words afterwards speak of his faith in the horse’s ability. Nevertheless, his handler knew that the mental demands of the race may still have gotten in the way.
You are hoping though the horse has got the mentality for it, the courage for that cavalry charge down to the first, and to come out of it with a good possie [position]. We thought we had a classy individual and thankfully he’s proved it.”