The showpiece event of the Easter Festival at Fairyhouse took place on Monday, with the Irish Grand National taking centre stage. Soldier In Milan was the favourite and delivered on that billing to claim the honours in style, winning the race over three miles and five furlongs by a landslide. It marked a huge triumph for Donagh Meyler, Emmet Mullins and Paul Byrne, as well as the bookies.

Monbeg Genius took an early lead and stayed ahead of the chasing pack for much of the race. However, he slowed as the contest entered the final half-mile, allowing Soldier In Milan stormed ahead. There was no catching the favourite as he breezed away from the rest of the field to win by a straight.

Jukebox Kid and Argento Boy were also tipped to fight for victory, but a couple of mistakes in the middle part of the race forced them out of contention.

Meanwhile, there was a heavy fall for Kiss Will, ridden by Paul Townend and trained by Willie Mullins, in the closing stages. Jockey and horse both appeared uninjured as they immediately rose to their feet, but a formal update is yet to be issued.

Showurappreciation came home in second place, with The Enabler rounding off the top three ahead of Argento Boy and Monbeg Genius.

Donagh Meyler, the winning jockey aboard Soldier In Milan, was grinning from ear to ear as he spoke to ITV Racing in the immediate aftermath of the race.

"Unbelievable feeling, class," he said. "He travelled and jumped everything right throughout the race. I was landing five out and I could hear a little voice saying: 'What are you doing up here?'

"He did everything, unbelievable and class. He was out the gate sharp and just got into a lovely rhythm. Hopefully the sky is the limit. Here's to many more please, God."

Winning trainer Emmet Mullins said: "That was huge. I'd never thought I'd say he'd be winning as easy as that. That was unbelievable."

1. Soldier In Milan 11-2

2. Showurappreciation 9-1

3. The Enabler 30-1

4. Argento Boy 14-1

5. Monbeg Genius 25-1

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