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Willie Mullins Overwhelmed by Son Patrick’s Grand National Victory on Nick Rockett
Renowned horse trainer Willie Mullins, often seen as the epitome of composure, displayed rare emotion after his son Patrick steered Nick Rockett to a dramatic victory in the Grand National. The unexpected triumph of the 33-1 outsider at Aintree resonated deeply, marking a personal milestone for the Mullins family in the prestigious steeplechase.
Unexpected Triumph Sparks Emotional Outburst
Nick Rockett, affectionately dubbed “Pocket Rocket,” surged through the pack to claim the coveted Grand National title, guided by Patrick Mullins, Willie’s 35-year-old son. As Patrick crossed the finish line, cameras captured Willie Mullins’s raw reaction in the stands. Visible deep breaths and welling eyes preceded an outpouring of emotion rarely seen from the usually stoic trainer. The magnitude of the achievement, a father witnessing his son win the Grand National aboard his trained horse, proved overwhelming.
A Father and Son’s Dream Realized
Descending to the finish line, Willie Mullins embraced his son, his handkerchief already soaked with tears. When interviewed by ITV’s Matt Chapman, Mullins struggled to articulate his feelings. Chapman observed the profound impact of the moment, asking, “Even you appeared to need to pinch yourself about this…” Mullins, his voice thick with emotion, simply replied, “Ah well, to be able to let your son…” before pausing, overcome.
Taking a moment to compose himself, and amidst his tears, Mullins elaborated: “It’s lovely to be able to give your son a ride in the National. But to be able to win it was just unbelievable.” His words conveyed the immense pride and joy of witnessing his son’s success in such a significant race.
A Touching Story Behind the Winner
The emotional victory was further underscored by the poignant story of Nick Rockett’s ownership. Owner Stewart Andrew, who was visibly ecstatic and celebrated by giving Patrick Mullins a piggyback, revealed the horse was initially owned by his late wife, Sadie. Sadie, who passed away from cancer in December 2022, had always wished for a horse trained by Willie Mullins. Her dream came true, and Nick Rockett’s Grand National win added a layer of profound sentiment to the occasion.
Andrew recounted meeting Willie Mullins at Cheltenham sales through chance, where Sadie expressed her wish to have a horse trained by him. Even when Sadie’s illness became terminal, Mullins ensured she could see the horse run, despite him not being fully prepared at the time. Later, Mullins outlined a plan to Andrew in Australia over wine, charting a course for Nick Rockett aimed at winning key races like the Thyestes Chase and the Bobbyjo, culminating in a bid for the Grand National – a plan that ultimately materialized into remarkable success.
Unprecedented Emotion and Joy
Once the initial euphoria subsided, Mullins confessed to experiencing unprecedented levels of emotion. “It doesn’t get any better than this,” he stated, emphasizing the personal significance of the victory. He further highlighted the presence of his wife, Jackie, and his connection to Sadie, whom he had known since school, further enriching the narrative of fate and fulfillment. He recalled reconnecting with Sadie years later and their shared aspiration to own a horse, culminating in this extraordinary triumph.
Patrick Mullins Praises Nick Rockett’s Bravery
The modern Grand National fences, modified in 2013 for safety with plastic cores and forgiving spruce tops, arguably aided Nick Rockett. However, Patrick Mullins’s expert ride was crucial to the victory. Despite being an amateur jockey in technical terms, his performance was anything but. “He was just perfect,” Patrick commented on Nick Rockett’s performance. “He just jumped fantastic.”
Reflecting on a lifelong ambition, Patrick added, “When I was five or six years old I was reading books about the Grand National so to put my name there is incredibly special.” He lauded Nick Rockett’s courage, describing him as “brave as a lion” despite his smaller stature compared to other horses in the field.
A Son’s Pride in His Father
Patrick also expressed his affection for his father’s emotional display, remarking, “It was lovely to see my dad, because he’s not very emotional.” He concluded with a broad smile, signifying the immense joy and shared triumph of their Grand National success.