Trainer Willie Mullins added another prestigious triumph to his growing tally at the 2025 Randox Grand National Festival, with Salvator Mundi producing a commanding performance to secure the Trustatrader Top Novices’ Hurdle. The five-year-old, running in the instantly recognizable colors of Joe and Marie Donnelly, asserted his superiority with a dominant seven-length victory. It marked Mullins’ fifth Grade One win of the Aintree festival, underscoring his formidable presence during the meeting.
The gelding found his rhythm in the closing stages, asserting himself impressively after the second-last hurdle. This success came after a tactical shift, with the team choosing a more forward approach this time around. The decision paid dividends, as the horse showcased both speed and composure, responding fluently to the demands of the race. Having previously fallen short at the top level, this performance offered a satisfying breakthrough and a strong hint at the promise that has been evident in his training gallops.
Jockey Paul Townend admitted to some early concerns during the race, particularly in the opening stages and around the bend. However, once the horse found a rhythm, Townend allowed him to settle into the position naturally. Unlike his run at Cheltenham, where conditions didn’t seem to play to his strengths, the firmer ground at Aintree allowed the gelding to deliver the kind of display the team had long believed he was capable of. The victory served not only as redemption after his previous outing but also reaffirmed the horse’s raw ability.
Mullins noted that the horse still has areas to refine, particularly his tendency to shift slightly right when under pressure. Encouragingly, Townend observed that the gelding appeared to be aware of his own movement and actively corrected himself—an indication of a maturing mindset. Mullins believes that with more racing experience, the horse will continue to improve, particularly in his ability to settle during a race.
Runner-up Romeo Coolio, trained by Gordon Elliott, put in a gallant effort to finish second. While acknowledging the quality of the winner, Elliott noted that the quick ground was perhaps less than ideal for his runner. Looking ahead, plans are being considered to transition Romeo Coolio to fences, with the belief that he has the scope to progress further in the chasing division next season.
