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 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.