Nick Rockett galloped to victory in the 2025 Grand National at Aintree, securing an emotional win for the Mullins family.
The 33-1 outsider, ridden by amateur jockey Patrick Mullins and trained by his father Willie, outpaced last year’s champion I Am Maximus to claim the prestigious steeplechase trophy. This triumph marks a significant milestone for the Mullins dynasty, with father and son combining to dominate the renowned race.
The victory was particularly poignant for owner Stewart Andrew, whose late wife Sadie passed away in December 2022, just days after witnessing Nick Rockett’s debut race.
As the horse thundered past the finishing post, emotions ran high amongst connections, with Patrick Mullins fulfilling a childhood dream and Willie Mullins reinforcing his status as one of racing’s greatest trainers.
A Dominant Display from the Closutton Stable
The extent of Willie Mullins’ dominance in the Grand National was unprecedented, with his horses securing the top three positions. Nick Rockett led the charge, followed by I Am Maximus in second and Grangeclare West completing the trio in third place. The Irish trainer’s remarkable achievement extended further with Meetingofthewaters finishing fifth and Minella Cocooner crossing the line in seventh position.
This clean sweep highlights the extraordinary talent within the Mullins yard, with the trainer now having claimed back-to-back Grand National victories. The result strengthens his position as the favourite to retain the British trainers’ championship, an accolade he first secured last year.
Senior Chief, trained by Henry de Bromhead, managed to break the Mullins monopoly by finishing sixth, whilst pre-race favourite Iroko claimed fourth spot. However, the day undoubtedly belonged to the Mullins family, whose racing expertise shone through on the biggest stage.
Patrick Mullins: Amateur Jockey, Professional Performance
Despite his amateur status, Patrick Mullins delivered a masterclass in riding to guide Nick Rockett to Grand National glory. The jockey, who has long excelled in the amateur ranks, demonstrated perfect timing and judgement to position his mount ideally throughout the challenging four-mile contest.
After jumping the final fence, Mullins asked his partner for a decisive effort, and Nick Rockett responded generously, pulling away from top weight I Am Maximus to win by two and a half lengths. The victory represents the pinnacle of Patrick Mullins’ career, fulfilling ambitions he has harboured since childhood.
“It’s everything I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid,” the triumphant jockey remarked post-race. “I know it’s a cliche, 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.”
The success adds another chapter to the Mullins family’s Grand National legacy, with Patrick joining his cousins David and Emmet as winners of the iconic race. David previously rode Rule The World to victory, whilst Emmet trained Noble Yeats to success in the Aintree showpiece.
Willie Mullins: A Training Masterclass
For Willie Mullins, Nick Rockett’s victory represented his third Grand National success, coming 20 years after his first with Hedgehunter. The champion Irish trainer was visibly moved by the family connection to the win, expressing his delight at providing his son with such a significant opportunity.
“That was some result. It’s lovely to be able to give your son a ride in the National, but to win it, it’s unbelievable,” Mullins stated, emotion evident in his voice. The father-son combination would go on to complete a memorable day by claiming victory with Green Splendour in the final race of the Aintree meeting.
Mullins’ remarkable achievement in saddling the first three finishers in the Grand National further enhances his reputation as one of racing’s all-time great trainers. His meticulous preparation and ability to ready multiple horses for the demanding test of the National fences demonstrates unparalleled skill and understanding of the sport.
Concerns for Fallen Runners
While celebrations ensued for connections of the winner, there was concern for Broadway Boy, who had led for much of the race before suffering a crashing fall on the second circuit. The Jockey Club confirmed that both Broadway Boy and Celebre D’Allen, who was pulled up, were assessed by veterinary staff and transported to the racecourse stables for further evaluation. Both are expected to recover.
Broadway Boy’s jockey Tom Bellamy required medical attention for a broken wrist and was taken to Aintree University Hospital for assessment. The incident led to a 15-minute delay to the following race while horses and rider received appropriate care.
In a separate development, Celebre D’Allen’s rider Micheal Nolan received a 10-day suspension after Aintree stewards determined he had continued riding when his mount had no more to give and was losing ground.
Emotional Triumph for Owner Stewart Andrew
For owner Stewart Andrew, Nick Rockett’s victory carried profound emotional significance. His wife Sadie, who passed away from cancer in December 2022, witnessed the horse’s first-ever race just five days before her death. The Grand National triumph provided a bittersweet moment for Andrew, who felt his late wife’s presence throughout the momentous occasion.
“From a personal point of view, I can’t tell you… Sadie would have loved today – she was up there, she’ll have had a tenner each-way, I guarantee you,” Andrew shared emotionally after the race. His touching tribute highlighted the personal stories that often underpin racing’s greatest moments.
Andrew also praised Patrick Mullins’ riding performance: “What a ride from Patrick, what a ride. I knew if we got to the front jumping the last, this horse is tough. If you look at this form, when he’s jumped the last, he keeps finding [more]. I can’t believe it.”
What a beautiful way to end the biggest horse race in the world.
