At the prestigious Grand National event held at Aintree, Jockey Patrick Mullins emerged victorious on Nick Rockett, while his trainer father Willie Mullins secured the top three positions in the race. The 33-1 outsider, Nick Rockett, outpaced last year’s champion I Am Maximus, who settled for second place, with Grangeclare West crossing the finish line in third. The favourite, Iroko, finished fourth, followed by Meetingofthewaters.
For winning owner Stewart Andrew, the triumph was particularly poignant as his late wife Sadie, who passed away from cancer in December 2022, had witnessed Nick Rockett’s debut race just days before her death. Sadly, Broadway Boy, who had led for a significant portion of the race, experienced a dramatic fall during the second circuit. Both Broadway Boy and Celebre D’Allen had to be assessed by vets on the course before being transferred to the racecourse stables. Tom Bellamy, Broadway Boy’s jockey, was taken to Aintree University Hospital for evaluation, causing a brief delay in the subsequent race.
In a display of skill and determination, Nick Rockett surged past I Am Maximus at the final obstacle to secure a two-and-a-half-length victory. Reflecting on his childhood dreams, winning jockey Patrick Mullins expressed his joy at achieving such a momentous feat in a race steeped in history and tradition. To cap off a successful day for the Mullins family, they guided Green Splendour to a resounding victory in the event’s final race.
With this impressive performance, Willie Mullins claimed his third Grand National victory, marking a milestone in his illustrious career as a champion Irish trainer. Alongside the top three finishers, Mullins also trained the fifth and seventh-placed horses, showcasing his expertise and dominance in the field. It was a touching moment for the Mullins family as Patrick joined his cousins David and Emmet in securing triumphs at the Grand National, solidifying their legacy in the sport. Looking ahead, Willie Mullins is well-positioned to defend his title as the reigning British trainers’ champion
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