In a breathtaking display of skill and emotion, Patrick Mullins rode Nick Rockett to victory in the 2025 Grand National at Aintree, marking a historic day for the Mullins family. The race, held on April 5, 2025, saw Nick Rockett, a 33-1 outsider, triumph over last year's champion, I Am Maximus, who finished in second place. Grangeclare West rounded out the top three, making it a stunning 1-2-3 finish for trainer Willie Mullins, who has solidified his status as one of the greatest in the sport.
The Grand National, renowned as the world's most famous steeplechase, featured 34 runners tackling a daunting distance of four miles and two and a half furlongs, leaping 30 fences over two circuits. The atmosphere was electric as thousands of spectators gathered at Aintree Racecourse, eager to witness the iconic event.
In a race filled with drama, Nick Rockett surged ahead after the final fence, crossing the line two and a half lengths clear of I Am Maximus. Grangeclare West finished just a half-length behind I Am Maximus, with Firoko and Meetingofthewaters completing the top five. The victory was especially poignant for owner Stewart Andrew, who dedicated the win to his late wife, Sadie, who passed away in December 2022, just days after watching Nick Rockett’s debut race.
"It's everything I've dreamed of since I was a kid," said Patrick Mullins, visibly emotional after the race. "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." His father, Willie Mullins, who trained the top three finishers, was equally moved. "To put your son up on a Grand National winner… What a special day for him, as a jockey and as a person. To win a Grand National as a trainer - wow, how wonderful. To have the two combined - I can’t explain it. I can’t comprehend it and I find it hard to take," he shared, struggling to contain his emotions during a live interview.
The race was not without its incidents, as Broadway Boy, who had led for much of the race, suffered a crashing fall on the second circuit, prompting concern from the crowd and officials alike. Tom Bellamy, the jockey aboard Broadway Boy, was taken to the hospital for further assessment after the fall, which left spectators gasping in shock. Celebre D'Allen also faced difficulties, being assessed on course after being pulled up.
Despite the challenges, the race showcased the thrill and unpredictability of the Grand National. The Mullins team had an impressive showing, with five of their six horses finishing in the top seven, earning Willie Mullins a staggering £860,000 in prize money. This victory puts him in contention for another British trainers' championship title, a feat he is determined to reclaim.
As the dust settled on this year’s Grand National, the focus turned to the future. With Patrick Mullins now added to the illustrious list of Grand National-winning jockeys, the sport looks forward to seeing how his career will unfold. His victory not only honors his family legacy but also inspires a new generation of jockeys dreaming of their own Grand National glory.
Looking ahead, the excitement at Aintree continues with two more races on the card, including the Rosconn Group Maghull Novices' Chase, which is set to follow shortly after the Grand National. As fans celebrate the thrilling conclusion of the Grand National, they eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this storied racing festival.
In summary, the 2025 Grand National will be remembered not only for its dramatic finish and emotional victories but also for the way it encapsulated the spirit of racing—where dreams can come true, and history is made in the blink of an eye.
