Patrick Mullins has alerted top British stables that his father, Willie Mullins, might potentially target consecutive wins in the jump trainers’ championship should he finish this season as the leader. The Closutton team netted a modest £4,356.80 when Patrick led 2-9 favourite Rath Gaul Boy to an effortless win in the Dragonbet Best Odds On Welsh Sport Novices’ Hurdle at Ffos Las. Notably, despite surpassing the £3 million mark with Grand National wins at Aintree and Ayr, gaining a sizable advantage over Dan Skelton and Paul Nicholls, Mullins is still firmly focused on securing his lead.
If he becomes the second Irish-based trainer to secure the UK title, there’s clear motivation to aim for back-to-back triumphs. “We all want it to be the goal from the season’s outset, but Willie always prioritises taking care of our own backyard before considering advances at home.” Patrick shared with Sky Sports Racing. “This opportunity only emerged because I Am Maximus clinched the National. Without that win, we wouldn’t be in this position or have made it to Ayr. It’s a £500k prize, so without it we’d be fourth”.
He continued: “The shifting circumstances have amazed us almost as much as the support from the public. It’s heartening when people suggest we send a horse to Ffos Las, Ludlow or elsewhere. We’re incredibly thankful for such gestures. “Vincent O’Brien accomplished the same feat in the 1950s, for two consecutive years. If we manage to take the title, perhaps we should try to replicate him next year. Although, to match any of Vincent O’Brien’s achievements would be extraordinary as he truly was a legend.”
Patrick Mullins, a Manchester United enthusiast, noted how the Red Devils narrowly advanced to the FA Cup final by defeating Coventry at Wembley on Saturday, after almost being eliminated in the last minutes despite leading 3-0; while Nicholls reversed a significant last-day deficit at Sandown, the last time the Closutton team were favourites to top the table in 2016.
“We previously visited Sandown on the final day and though we didn’t secure a win, we’re hopeful about this occasion,” expressed Patrick. “Our pursuit of the English title has rejuvenated everyone at Closutton, we’re relishing the experience. I’m thrilled to be in Ffos Las and equally pleased about my previous trip to Ayr, eagerly anticipating my visit to Ludlow on Wednesday.
Many of these racecourses are new to me; it’s exhilarating, and I’m optimistic we’ll cross the finish line victoriously. We’ve received a wealth of support; the spectators at Ayr were incredibly warm and supportive. Reminds me of the times when everybody was keen on defeating Man United, since they were the reigning champions. Success arouses envy, but as Willie always emphasises, take nothing for granted as fortunes can shift unexpectedly, so savour the good times while they last.
We experienced a stroke of luck in Ayr with two photo-finishes. Macdermott and Chosen Witness could have both come second, which would have drastically altered the competition.”