Under the soft Carlow sunshine, laughter and pride filled the air at Closutton as Willie Mullins welcomed visitors to his legendary yard for the annual Randox Grand National winners’ stable visit. The atmosphere was part celebration, part disbelief — even for a man whose career has rewritten Jump racing history.
The 69-year-old master trainer, still glowing from back-to-back Randox Grand National wins with I Am Maximus (2024) and Nick Rockett (2025), stood before the press and supporters with characteristic humility. “I was watching Patrick the whole way and thinking — this could actually happen,” Mullins smiled, recalling his son’s emotional winning ride aboard Nick Rockett. “It’s the biggest thrill I’ve ever had in racing.”
Few would argue. Nick Rockett’s victory was no ordinary success; it completed an unprecedented 1-2-3 for Mullins, with I Am Maximus and Grangeclere West filling the places. “To saddle five of the first seven home,” he said, “was something beyond anything we could’ve imagined.
Champion Trainer Eyes Aintree Hat-Trick
Already a dual British Jump Trainers’ Champion — the first Irish-based handler to achieve the feat since Vincent O’Brien seven decades ago — Mullins isn’t slowing down. His sights are now firmly set on an extraordinary third consecutive Randox Grand National.
“Nick Rockett could go back to Aintree,” he revealed. “He handled the track beautifully, and it would be something special to try and do it again.” Mullins confirmed that I Am Maximus and Grangeclere West may also return, while emerging star Spanish Harlem, owned by Randox founder Dr Peter FitzGerald, could add a new layer to the story.
“You need a horse on the up in the National these days,” Mullins said. “Spanish Harlem’s coming right — he’s won the Kerry National and he’s the happiest he’s ever been.”
From Cheltenham to Aintree: The Mullins Era Rolls On
The Closutton operation, once a modest Irish yard, has evolved into the epicentre of global Jump racing dominance. Mullins’s 113 Cheltenham Festival wins, coupled with three Grand National triumphs, have placed him among the sport’s immortals. Yet, amid the silverware, the family bond remains the story’s beating heart — a father watching his son create history at Aintree.
“We’re just pinching ourselves,” Mullins said. “Two UK titles and two Nationals — it’s extraordinary. We’re just trying to get them there again and hope for a bit of luck.”
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