An emotional Willie Mullins was unable to speak after his son Patrick rode home 33-1 outsider Nick Rockett to victory at the Grand National at Aintree as part of a one-two-three for the champion trainer.
Amateur jockey Patrick Mullins guided Nick Rockett to victory over his stablemate and last year’s champion I Am Maximus, who was denied back-to-back victories at Aintree despite a valiant attempt.
Third-placed Grangeclare West, also at 33-1, rounded off an incredible one-two-three for trainer Mullins, who also had the fifth-placed horse in Meetingofthewaters, and he was visibly overcome after watching his son ride to victory.
"It was some result,” Mullins told ITV before he had to pause. “It is lovely to be able to give your son a ride in the National, but to be able to win it is just unbelievable.”
Mullins’ first winner came 20 years ago with Hedgehunter and the 68-year-old is now odds-on to win the trainer’s title for the second year running. He saddled six horses for the world-famous race, with five of them finishing in the top 7.
"You couldn't write the script today, four of the first five. When Patrick was born, I said if he gets one or two rides in the National he's done well," said Mullins.
"Then he did a bit more than that, but then we started to think could we get a horse with enough weight to give him a chance in the National - but we never dreamt of winning it.
"I think this is the summit for me, I don't think it can get any better than this. Now I now how Ted Walsh felt, I never thought I'd have that feeling, but here we are.
"Of course we'll give the title another go now, it looks like it could be on again, to get first, second, third and fifth - we'll have to improve and get fourth next year! This is the best day ever, this will never be topped."
And Patrick’s victory on Nick Rockett made it a memorable family affair for the Closutton stables.
"I'm too out of breath to say anything. It is incredible,” the winning rider told ITV. “ I got too good a start and had to take him back all the way but he jumped fantastic.
“It’s a dream from when I was a kid. When I was a kid I watched videos so this is very special.
“Nick Rockett is fine - I need a cold bath myself. He's not big but he is brave as a lion.”
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