'I was pinching myself' - Emmet Mullins' perfect plan comes to National fruition at Fairyhouse

RACING HOME: Soldier In Milan and Donagh Meyler win the BOYLE Sports Irish Grand National Schase (Grade 3) for trainer Emmet Mullins and Owner Paul Byrne. Pic: Healy Racing Photo

A long-term plan was executed to perfection at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday as Soldier In Milan defied his inexperience to win the Boyle Sports Irish Grand National in scintillating fashion.

The Emmet Mullins-trained seven-year-old had not yet seen a racetrack this time last year, only making his debut in a bumper at the Punchestown last May.