Willie Mullins, a name synonymous with success at the Cheltenham Festival, has once again made history. This year, he was crowned the leading trainer for an impressive 12th time, marking his seventh consecutive year clinching this prestigious title.
The 2025 Cheltenham Festival commenced on a high note for Mullins as he won the opening race, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, with his horse Kopeck Des Bordes. This victory set a tone that would resonate throughout the four-day festival, signaling Mullins' dominance in the arena. "We really enjoy having winners here and it’s great to train winners for a range of different owners," Mullins said, reflecting on the inclusive nature of his triumphs.
On the first afternoon, Mullins’ success continued with Lossiemouth, who took home the Mares’ Hurdle after elegantly sidestepping the Champion Hurdle. Following this, on the Wednesday of the festival, Jimmy Du Seuil delivered a memorable performance to win the Coral Cup, while young jockey Sean O’Keeffe rode the outsider Lecky Watson to victory in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase. Additionally, Jody Townend secured his first-ever Festival winner aboard Bambino Fever in the Champion Bumper. These victories laid the groundwork for a remarkable festival for the Closutton-based trainer.
Even though he only bagged one victory on Thursday, it was one that truly stood out — Fact To File clinching the Ryanair Chase under the skilled guidance of jockey Mark Walsh. In a typical whirlwind of drama and surprise, 100-1 shot Poniros began the final day as an unexpected favorite in the Triumph Hurdle. However, as the festival progressed, Kargese emerged as the anticipated victor in the County Hurdle, giving Townend yet another win for Mullins.
On the final day, pals and fans alike were eagerly awaiting Mullins' goal of securing the Gold Cup. But disappointment loomed close as Galopin Des Champs, driven by Townend, was edged out by Inothewayurthinkin, preventing Mullins from achieving what would have been a historic third consecutive Gold Cup win. Despite this setback, Mullins wasn’t deterred. "It’s a huge team operation and it’s gone astronomical," he remarked, emphasizing the collective effort behind the scenes. "No one would ever have dreamt someone would have that many horses to run at a Festival like this, but it’s something we concentrate on and it’s paying off for us. We’ll enjoy it why we can and things in sport have a habit of going up and down.”
Mullins' total of 10 wins over the four-day period meant that he equaled his previous record haul, ensuring that the lessons learned and the strategies honed over years came to fruition once more at this exceptional festival. Jockey Paul Townend also shone throughout the event, tying with Mark Walsh as the leading rider with four victories each, although Townend claimed the title based on accumulated placings.
As the curtain fell on the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, the narrative surrounding Mullins’ career at this event was further enriched by both his success and the emotion of the day. Mullins, who made headlines last year as the first trainer to cross the century mark in festival wins, continues to prove that his dedication and love for the sport know no bounds.
The spirit of competition, the tension of each race, and the culmination of talent and training reflects not only on Mullins but on the entire equestrian community. In reflecting on this year’s festival, his words resonate: "We’ll see how we go and keep enjoying the winners when they come.”
Willie Mullins remains a towering figure in the world of horse racing, and as the dust settles on this year's Cheltenham, the excitement for future races and records lingers in the air.
