The 2025 Grand National at Aintree witnessed a historic moment as Nick Rockett, ridden by Patrick Mullins, clinched victory in a thrilling race. This win not only marked a significant achievement for the Mullins family but also solidified Willie Mullins' status as a leading trainer in the sport.
Key Takeaways
- Nick Rockett won the Grand National, with Patrick Mullins as the jockey.
- Willie Mullins trained the top three finishers, showcasing his dominance in the event.
- The victory was emotionally charged, honoring the late Sadie Andrew, wife of the horse's owner.
A Historic Win for the Mullins Family
In a remarkable display of skill and strategy, Nick Rockett triumphed over last year's champion, I Am Maximus, finishing two and a half lengths ahead. Grangeclare West secured third place, completing a stunning 1-2-3 finish for trainer Willie Mullins. This victory is particularly poignant for the Mullins family, as Patrick Mullins, an amateur jockey, rode the winning horse, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Patrick expressed his emotions after the race, stating, "It's everything I've dreamed of since I was a kid. I know it's a cliché, but when I was five or six years old, I was reading books about the National and watching black and white videos of Red Rum. To put my name there is very special."
Willie Mullins: A Trainer's Triumph
Willie Mullins, known for his calm demeanor, was visibly emotional after the race. He described the experience as akin to a World Cup victory, saying, "To have one horse run in the National, but then to have one your son can ride is millions-to-one what happened today. It is just something else to be able to leg up your son in the greatest race of all time."
This win marks Mullins' third Grand National victory, with his first coming 20 years ago. He is now poised to reclaim the British trainers' championship, having significantly closed the gap in prize money against his competitors.
Emotional Moments and Tribute
The race was not just a sporting event but also a tribute to the late Sadie Andrew, who passed away shortly after watching Nick Rockett's first race in 2022. Stewart Andrew, the horse's owner, reflected on her memory, saying, "Sadie would have loved today - she was up there, she'll have had a tenner each-way, I guarantee you."
Race Highlights
- Winner: Nick Rockett (Patrick Mullins)
- Second Place: I Am Maximus
- Third Place: Grangeclare West
- Fourth Place: Iroko
- Fifth Place: Meetingofthewaters
The race was not without its challenges, as Broadway Boy, who led for much of the race, suffered a fall on the second circuit. Fortunately, both Broadway Boy and Celebre D'Allen were attended to by veterinary staff and transported for further assessment.
Conclusion
The 2025 Grand National will be remembered not only for its thrilling competition but also for the emotional narratives that unfolded. With Patrick Mullins' victory, the Mullins family has etched their name in the annals of horse racing history, and Willie Mullins continues to solidify his legacy as one of the sport's greatest trainers. As the dust settles on this year's event, fans and participants alike eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this remarkable family and their equine champions.