In a stunning upset, Nick Rockett’s 33-1 victory in the Grand National has given jockey Patrick Mullins his first win in the iconic race, while trainer Willie Mullins secured a historic family triumph.
Nick Rockett Wins Grand National for Mullins Duo in Emotional Upset
Nick Rockett‘s 33-1 victory in the Grand National has given jockey Patrick Mullins his first win in the iconic race, while trainer Willie Mullins secured a historic family triumph.
Mullins is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic word 'MacGillin', meaning 'son of the servant.' The name has been associated with several historical figures, including Thomas Mullins, an Anglo-Irish lawyer and politician.
In the 17th century, many Mullins families emigrated to England and other parts of Europe.
Today, the surname is found in various countries, including Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The emotional win was sealed when ‘galloped away from top weight I Am Maximus after the final fence to claim the coveted title by two and a half lengths.’ This marked a remarkable turnaround for the 33-year-old jockey, who had been riding at a lower level before being given a chance to ride Nick Rockett.
The win was particularly poignant for winning owner Stewart Andrew, whose late wife ‘Sadie died from cancer in December 2022, just five days after watching Nick Rockett in his first race.’ Andrew‘s emotional reaction to the victory was palpable, with the owner stating that he knew his wife would have loved this result.
Mullins‘ family has a long history of success in the Grand National, with his father Willie winning the title three times before Patrick achieved his own victory on Nick Rockett. The win marked a special moment for the Mullins family, who celebrated their triumph with another strong performance from ‘Green Splendour in the final race.’
The day’s racing was not without its challenges, however, as several horses suffered falls or were pulled up due to injuries. ‘Broadway Boy, ridden by Tom Bellamy, crashed out of contention on the second circuit,’ while Celebre D’Allen was given a 10-day suspension after his rider Micheal Nolan continued to ride him despite losing ground.
Despite the setbacks, Nick Rockett‘s victory will be remembered for years to come as an emotional and thrilling upset. For Mullins and Andrew, it marked a fitting conclusion to a day that had seen multiple family triumphs and a dominant display from the father-son duo.
