The 2025 Grand National lived up to expectations as Nick Rockett pipped I Am Maximus at the last to claim a stunning win. The Willie Mullins horse ridden by his son, Patrick, produced a dream end of the race to drive past last year's winner and claim a win in the National. But it was a stunning afternoon for Mullins, who claimed a 1-2-3 as Grangeclare West came third as the Irish dominated at Aintree once more.
On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the Grand National Festival at Aintree witnessed a remarkable display of horsemanship and emotion, culminating in an unforgettable victory for Nick Rockett, an outsider at 33-1. The race saw Patrick Mullins, son of the legendary trainer Willie Mullins, guide his mount to a breathtaking finish, overtaking the reigning champion I Am Maximus in the final strides.
Willie Mullins, who has long been a dominant force in the world of horse racing, was visibly emotional after the race, struggling to contain his tears during an interview with ITV. "It was some result," he said, pausing to catch his breath. "It's lovely to be able to give your son a ride in the National, but to be able to win it is just unbelievable." Mullins, who had his first Grand National winner 20 years ago with Hedgehunter, has now achieved a remarkable feat by training the first three horses in this prestigious event.
As the race unfolded, it became clear that Nick Rockett was ready to make his mark. After a strong start, Patrick Mullins had to take his horse back at various points during the race, but Nick Rockett jumped brilliantly, showcasing his talent and determination. "I got too good a start and had to take him back all the way, but he jumped fantastic," Patrick said after the race. "It’s everything I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid. 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."
Stewart Andrew, the owner of Nick Rockett, shared the emotional journey behind the horse's success. His late wife, Sadie, had always wanted a horse trained by Willie Mullins. "This is a class horse, he’s got the heart of a lion," Andrew said, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of the victory. Sadie had passed away in December 2022, just days after watching Nick Rockett's debut race. "Out of such sadness, joy has been born. Nick Rockett has done it all for me," Andrew added, highlighting the deep connection between the horse and his late wife.
The Grand National results saw I Am Maximus, the favorite, finishing in second place, while Grangeclare West rounded out the top three. This 1-2-3 finish for Mullins is unprecedented, making him the first trainer in history to achieve such a feat in this iconic race. The fourth-place finisher was Iroko, while Meetingofthewaters claimed fifth.
In addition to the Grand National, the day featured several other exciting races, including The William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle, which saw Deep Cave win at 28/1. The Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle was claimed by Honesty Policy at 5/1, while Cruz Control triumphed in The Freebooter Handicap Steeple Chase at 10/1. Hiddenvalley Lake also made headlines by winning The Ivy Liverpool Hurdle at 12/1, confirming the dominance of Irish trainers and horses at Aintree this year.
As the day progressed, viewers were concerned for Broadway Boy, who suffered a fall at the 25th fence. The horse, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, was attended to by veterinary experts, and racing fans took to social media to express their hopes for his recovery. ITV Racing provided updates, assuring viewers that both Broadway Boy and Celebre D'Allen were under assessment.
Willie Mullins' success at Aintree follows a triumphant Cheltenham Festival, where he equaled his own record by saddling 10 winners. With his impressive performance in the Grand National, Mullins is now on course to defend his title as Champion Trainer in Britain, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.
As the celebrations continued, Patrick Mullins reflected on the significance of the victory, not just for himself but for his entire family. "David and Emmet have already won it, so I’m level with them, [cousin] Danny will have to pull his finger out now," he joked, highlighting the competitive spirit within the Mullins family. The day was filled with joy, tears, and a sense of fulfillment, as the Mullins family celebrated a historic moment in horse racing.
In conclusion, the 2025 Grand National was a day of triumph and emotion, marked by the extraordinary victory of Nick Rockett, a horse that not only captured the hearts of his connections but also the racing world. With a remarkable 1-2-3 finish for Willie Mullins and an unforgettable story of love and loss, this year's Grand National will be remembered for years to come.
