If there were any doubts that Emmet Mullins inherited the “magic touch” gene, they were systematically dismantled at Fairyhouse today. In a performance that was less of a race and more of a victory lap, Soldier In Milan turned the Irish Grand National into a one-horse exhibition.
Ridden by Donagh Meyler, the seven-year-old was so comfortable he looked like he was out for a morning hack in Carlow. Despite having only four previous starts under rules, he tanked into the lead after the fourth-last and stayed there, eventually sauntering home 16 lengths clear. Meyler admitted post-race he was “pinching himself” jumping the last, presumably to check he hadn’t fallen asleep and started dreaming about the 2027 Gold Cup, for which the horse is already being quoted at 33/1.
The Mullins family wasn’t done there. Earlier on the card, the legendary Energumene proved that age is just a number (and a very fast one at that) by taking the Grade 2 Fairyhouse Chase. At 2/1, it was the easiest money anyone made all Monday, though the win was tinged with sadness following the fatal injury of stablemate Saint Sam.
The Aintree Horizon: Market Movers
As the dust settles in County Meath, all eyes swivel toward the Merseyside horizon. The Grand National market is twitching like a nervous thoroughbred.
The Heavyweights: I Am Maximus remains the rock-solid 15/2 favorite, looking to reclaim the crown he won in 2024.
The Mover: Keep an eye on Nick Rockett (the 2025 winner), who is seeing significant support as punters bank on a repeat.
The Dark Horses: Grangeclare West and Jagwar are the names being whispered in the betting rings as the three-day Aintree festival looms.
While the jumpers are having their final hurrah, the Flat season is sharpening its hooves. The battle for the Top Jockey title looks like a high-speed game of musical chairs between three titans:
While the jumpers are having their final hurrah, the Flat season is sharpening its hooves. The battle for the Top Jockey title looks like a high-speed game of musical chairs between three titans:
Oisin Murphy (4/6 Favorite): Currently leading the wins tally (143) and riding like a man possessed.
Billy Loughnane (6/4 Challenger): The “Sensation” is no longer a prospect, he’s a powerhouse with 109 wins already.
William Buick (20/1 Outsider): Never count out the master of the Godolphin blue, though he trails on volume this term.
Loughnane is the one everyone is watching. His strike rate is a terrifying 21% on the All-Weather, and if he carries that momentum to the turf, Murphy might need a rearview mirror.
Tuesday’s Punt: Timeform Ratings & Naps
If you haven’t had your fill of the turf, tomorrow offers a three-course meal at Exeter, Pontefract, and Southwell. Here is the intel:
The Naps (Best Bets)
Exeter (16:10): Carrigmoorna Rowan , The strongest selection of the day. Expect a clinical performance over the fences. Watch Land Girl’s Luck.
Pontefract (16:27): Treasure Islands, A horse that loves a scrap and looks well-weighted for this test. And Lightening Company.
Southwell (17:30): Toomuchforme – The name says it all for the bookies; should be too good for this field on the synthetic surface, or Brazilian Belle.
Timeform Top Rated
Pontefract (15:57): Kylian (TFR: 101). Robert Cowell’s charge has the class to burn off this 5f handicap field if the ground holds up.
Southwell (20:00): Gesayed, could potentially remain as the one to beat in the late slot.
18+ only. Betting involves risk and losses are inevitable. Never gamble more than you can afford to lose and do not view betting as a way to make money. If gambling stops being enjoyable or becomes a concern, seek help
Silks and Shenanigans 