ED CHAMBERLIN: Willie Mullins granted my Grand National wish with Nick Rockett’s magic at Aintree – you will never get a storyline like this in any other sport

• Nick Rockett won the Grand National for Willie Mullins at Aintree on Saturday 
• Mullins also trained the horses that placed second and third in the famous race
• A superb week has put him on course to become Britain’s Champion Trainer

By ED CHAMBERLIN

Well, I got my wish. I asked, via Mail Sport, on Friday night for a story from the Randox Grand National, for something romantic with which the public could connect.

How we got that. Willie Mullins may have secured his third Aintree triumph and his three incredible days have put him on the brink of becoming Britain’s Champion Trainer once again, but what we saw in the world’s greatest race was so much more than facts and figures.

To be with Stewart Andrew afterwards was to be reminded about what horses can do for humans. Stewart lost his wife, Sadie, in 2022 shortly after she had asked Willie to buy Nick Rockett for them to enjoy.

Tragically, they never got to do it, but a Rockett was sent to heaven when Patrick Mullins hurtled past the winning post. Stewart loves talking about Sadie’s memory and how the gelding has helped fill the void in his life.

You wouldn’t get a narrative like this in any other sport and that is why I maintain it remains the best 10 minutes of action you will see anywhere.

Once again there were at least 10 horses in with chances as the field turned for home and the atmosphere at Aintree crackled.

Nick Rockett won the Grand National for trainer Willie Mullins at Aintree on Saturday afternoon 

68 year-old Mullins also trained the horses that placed second and third on Saturday

A superb week at Aintree has put Mullins on course to become Britain’s Champion Trainer

Best of all, however, was the bulletin that came through long after we came off air on ITV to reveal that Broadway Boy and Celebre d’Allen, two of the 34 runners who had looked to have suffered grave injuries, had walked back on to a horse ambulance and were being treated in their stables.

We cannot avoid the fact that danger remains a part of the Grand National. These horses are bred to race and we know there are risks, but Aintree have moved with the times consistently to ensure the jeopardy has been tackled.

The ground staff, for instance, worked miracles to provide safe ground. It was an incredible spectacle. A Willie Mullins 1-2-3, a triumph for his son, Patrick — and an outcome that Stewart Andrew will never forget.

Ed Chamberlin is a SkyBet UK ambassador

:
ED CHAMBERLIN: Willie Mullins granted my Grand National wish with Nick Rockett’s magic at Aintree – you will never get a storyline like this in any other sport

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk