In a stunning performance at Fairyhouse, Soldier In Milan won the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday, finishing an impressive 16 lengths ahead of the competition. This victory marks a significant milestone for trainer Emmet Mullins, as it is his first win in this prestigious race.

Ridden by Donagh Meyler, Soldier In Milan was the pre-race favourite with odds of 6-1. The race, which spanned a distance of three miles and five furlongs, saw a total of 30 horses compete, showcasing the depth of talent in the field.

Following Soldier In Milan was Showurappreciation in second place, while The Enabler secured third. Argento Boy finished fourth, and Monbeg Genius, who initially led the race, ended up in fifth place.

Meyler expressed his elation after the race, stating, “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.” His sentiments reflect the emotional rollercoaster often experienced in the world of horse racing.

Mullins, reflecting on the victory, noted, “He was fit and well. Funnily enough, I know he went off favourite, but I told Paul ‘everything is good, he’s happy, he’s healthy, he’s fit but I’ve seen him in better order.'” He further added, “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.”

The Irish Grand National is renowned for its drama, stamina, and unpredictability, making this victory all the more significant. Mullins also hinted at the potential for Soldier In Milan to compete in the Aintree Grand National next year, a route that has been taken by many successful horses in the past.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact plans for Soldier In Milan’s future races, but the excitement surrounding this win has undoubtedly set the stage for what could be an exceptional career ahead.

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The Irish Grand National takes place at Fairyhouse on Monday, April 6, 2026, starting at 17:00. This prestigious race, known for its challenging course, boasts a substantial prize pot of €500,000, attracting a competitive field of 30 declared runners and 3 reserves.

The Jukebox Kid has emerged as the favorite to clinch victory, with observers keenly watching its performance leading up to the race. Following closely in the betting is Kiss Will, trained by the renowned Willie Mullins, who has a strong reputation in the racing community. Another contender, Soldier In Milan, showcased its potential by finishing fourth in the Grade 3 Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase, adding to the excitement surrounding the event.

Among the other notable entrants, Argento Boy, who finished eighth in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, is expected to make a significant impact. Meanwhile, C’est Ta Chance is aiming to complete a hat-trick in this race, further intensifying the competition. The race itself is a test of endurance and skill, requiring participants to navigate 24 fences over a distance of 3 miles and 5 furlongs.

Historically, the Irish Grand National is regarded as the richest race on the calendar in Ireland, drawing attention from racing enthusiasts and bettors alike. Last year’s winner, Haiti Couleurs, will not be defending its title, leaving the field wide open for a new champion to emerge.

Fans can catch all the action live on paddypower.com, the Paddy Power app, or on ITV1, ensuring that the excitement of the race is accessible to a broad audience. As the date approaches, the anticipation builds, with many eager to see how the favorites will perform on race day.

With 30 runners set to compete, the dynamics of the race could shift dramatically as the event unfolds. Observers are particularly interested in how the favorites will fare against the backdrop of such a challenging course.

As the Irish Grand National 2026 draws near, the racing community is abuzz with speculation and excitement. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final line-up and any last-minute changes, but one thing is certain: this race promises to be a highlight of the racing calendar.

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