‘It’s unbelievable’ – Willie Mullins breaks Grand National duck in spectacular style
LEGENDARY Kilkenny trainer Willie Mullins summed up his elation fairly succinctly yesterday as he finally broke his duck at the Irish Grand National in spectacular style: “It’s unbelievable.”
“It was a race I always wanted to win because it was probably the first big race we won at home in Doninga,” Mullins said, referring to his father’s stable in Goresebridge.
“It’s a race that has a bit of resonance in our house.”
Mullins banished his Grand National hoodoo as Burrows Saint led home a one-two-three in the marathon handicap chase at Fairyhouse.
The well-backed 6-1 favourite was given a confident ride by Ruby Walsh, who won the race for a third time, and went on to lift the first prize from stable companions Isleofhopendreams and Acapella Bourgeois.
Total Recall, another of Mullins’ seven runners, set the pace before Whisperinthebreeze built up a decent lead on the final circuit.
He was soon reeled in by the Mullins’ brigade though, with Burrows Saint, owned by Rich Ricci, going on from three out.
Walsh kept a bit in reserve on the six-year-old to hold the challenge of Isleofhopendreams (20-1). Acapella Bourgeois (18-1) was third to complete a Mullins clean sweep.
