Patrick Mullins and Nick Rockett Seal Emotional Grand National Triumph for Legendary Trainer Willie Mullins

In a heart-stopping finish at Aintree, amateur jockey Patrick Mullins guided Nick Rockett to Grand National glory, completing a historic 1-2-3 for trainer Willie Mullins.

A Family Affair at Aintree

In an extraordinary display of dominance, Willie Mullins-trained horses claimed the top three positions in the 2024 Grand National, with 33-1 outsider Nick Rockett delivering a fairytale victory under amateur jockey Patrick Mullins. The win marked an emotional milestone for both the legendary Irish trainer and his son.

Nick Rockett clears a fence at Aintree Nick Rockett powers through the Aintree obstacles

Race Highlights:

  • Top Weight Challenge: Nick Rockett outpaced 2023 winner I Am Maximus (2nd) after the final fence, winning by 2½ lengths
  • Family Legacy: Patrick becomes third Mullins family member to win the National after cousins David (jockey) and Emmet (trainer)
  • Emotional Triumph: Owner Stewart Andrew dedicated the win to late wife Sadie, who passed away days after watching Nick Rockett's debut

Full Top 10 Finishers:

  1. Nick Rockett (33-1)
  2. I Am Maximus (5-1)
  3. Grangeclare West (28-1)
  4. Iroko (7-2 fav)
  5. Meetingofthewaters (12-1)

Safety Update:

  • Broadway Boy suffered a heavy fall but walked onto horse ambulance after vet inspection
  • Jockey Tom Bellamy taken for precautionary checks
  • Race delay: Subsequent start pushed back 15 minutes for incident management

Historic Training Masterclass

"When I was five, I watched Red Rum videos - to join that history is incredible," said an emotional Patrick Mullins. His father Willie added: "To win with your son... there's no better feeling."

The victory:

  • Cements Willie Mullins as odds-on favorite for consecutive British trainers' titles
  • Adds to his 2005 (Hedgehunter) and 2023 (I Am Maximus) National wins
  • Completes a dream double after earlier winning with 10-3 shot Green Splendour

What's Next?

  • 2025 Grand National ante-post markets already open
  • Mullins now targets Cheltenham 2025 with strengthened squad
  • Jockey Club confirms safety review after two horse incidents

"Sadie would've had a tenner each-way today," reflected owner Andrew through tears. Few victories better capture racing's raw emotion than this Mullins family masterpiece.

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