Willie Mullins Explained

William Peter Mullins (born 15 September 1956)^[1] ^[2] is an Irish racehorse trainer and former jockey. He is a seventeen-time Irish National Hunt Champion trainer.^[3] Mullins is the most successful trainer in the history of the Cheltenham Festival, having saddled more than 100 winners.

Life and career

Mullins was born and raised around horses. His father, Paddy Mullins, was a horse trainer, and his mother, Maureen, was a successful breeder.^[4] Mullins commenced racehorse training in 1988,^[5] having previously worked as an assistant to his father and Jim Bolger. He is a former six-time amateur champion jockey in Ireland, winning the 1983 Aintree Fox Hunters' Chase on Atha Cliath and the 1996 Cheltenham Bumper on Wither Or Which.^[6]

He is the trainer of the 2005 Grand National winner Hedgehunter and the 2011 and 2013 Champion Hurdle winner Hurricane Fly. Mullins also trained Vautour in the 2016 Ryanair Chase. He is also trainer of the six-time David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle champion, Quevega.^[7] In the 2015 Cheltenham Festival Mullins trained eight winners, a joint record at the Cheltenham Festival which Gordon Elliott equalled in 2018.^[8] ^[9] He is the leading-most winning trainer at the Cheltenham Festival, becoming the first trainer to saddle 100 winners when Jasmin De Vaux won the 2024 Champion Bumper.^[10] In 2022 he trained a new record of ten winners at the festival.

Mullins' longlasting relationship with Gigginstown House Stud came to an end on 28 September 2016.^[11] Despite this he was the Irish Champion trainer in the 2016/17 season.^[12]

Mullins has won both the Grand National in 2005 with Hedgehunter and the 2019 Irish Grand National with Burrows Saint, each of which was ridden by Ruby Walsh. In the 2022/23 season he became Irish National Hunt Champion trainer for the 17th time.^[3]

Mullins won the British jump racing Champion Trainer title in the 2023–24 season, becoming the first trainer based in Ireland to win the championship since Vincent O'Brien in 1954.^[13]

Personal life

Mullins is from Goresbridge, County Kilkenny, but is based at Closutton, Bagenalstown, County Carlow, Ireland. He has a son, Patrick Mullins, who is currently an amateur jockey riding mainly in Ireland for his father and acting as assistant trainer to him. Mullins' wife, Jackie, was a successful amateur rider.^[14]

With his wife, he was invited to ride in the King's procession at Royal Ascot 2023.^[15]

Cheltenham Festival winners (103)

Cheltenham Gold Cup - (4) Al Boum Photo (2019, 2020), Galopin Des Champs (2023, 2024)
Champion Hurdle - (5) Hurricane Fly (2011, 2013), Faugheen (2015), Annie Power (2016), State Man (2024)
Queen Mother Champion Chase - (2) Energumene (2022, 2023)
Stayers' Hurdle - (2) Nichols Canyon (2017), Penhill (2018)
Supreme Novices' Hurdle - (7) Tourist Attraction (1995), Ebaziyan (2007), Champagne Fever (2013), Vautour (2014), Douvan (2015), Klassical Dream (2019), Appreciate It (2021)
Arkle Challenge Trophy - (6) Un de Sceaux (2015), Douvan (2016), Footpad (2018), Duc des Genievres (2019), El Fabiolo (2023), Gaelic Warrior (2024)
David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle - (10) Quevega (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014), Glens Melody (2015), Vroum Vroum Mag (2016), Benie Des Dieux (2018), Lossiemouth (2024)
Gallagher Novices' Hurdle - (7) Fiveforthree (2008), Mikael d'Haguenet (2009), Faugheen (2014), Yorkhill (2016), Sir Gerhard (2022), Impaire Et Passe (2023), Ballyburn (2024)
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase - (6) Florida Pearl (1998), Rule Supreme (2004), Cooldine (2009), Don Poli (2015), Monkfish (2021), Fact To File (2024)
Champion Bumper - (13) Wither or Which (1996), Florida Pearl (1997), Alexander Banquet (1998), Joe Cullen (2000), Missed That (2005), Cousin Vinny (2008), Champagne Fever (2012), Briar Hill (2013), Relegate (2018), Ferny Hollow (2020), Sir Gerhard (2021), Facile Vega (2022), Jasmin De Vaux (2024)
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle - (3) Penhill (2017), Monkfish (2020), The Nice Guy (2022)
Ryanair Chase - (5) Vautour (2016), Un de Sceaux (2017), Min (2020), Allaho (2021, 2022)
Triumph Hurdle - (5) Scolardy (2002), Burning Victory (2020), Vauban (2022), Lossiemouth (2023), Majborough (2024)
Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle - (5) Limini (2016), Let's Dance (2017), Laurina (2018), Eglantine Du Seuil (2019), Concertista (2020)
National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup - (4) Back in Focus (2013), Rathvinden (2018), Stattler (2022), Gaillard Du Mesnil (2023)
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle - (4) Sir Des Champs (2011), Don Poli (2014), Killultagh Vic (2015), Galopin Des Champs (2021)
Coral Cup - (1) Bleu Berry (2018)
County Handicap Hurdle - (7) Thousand Stars (2010), Final Approach (2011), Wicklow Brave (2015), Arctic Fire (2017), Saint Roi (2020), State Man (2022), Absurde (2024)
Golden Miller Novices' Chase - (4) Sir Des Champs (2012), Vautour (2015), Black Hercules (2016), Yorkhill (2017)
Liberthine Mares' Chase - (2) Colreevy (2021), Elimay (2022)
St James's Place Festival Hunter Chase - (1) Billaway (2022)

Other major wins

Ireland

Irish Gold Cup - (13) Florida Pearl (1999, 2000, 2001, 2004), Alexander Banquet (2002), Rule Supreme (2005), Kempes (2011), Quel Esprit (2012), Sir Des Champs (2013), Bellshill (2019), Kemboy (2021), Galopin Des Champs (2023, 2024)
Punchestown Gold Cup - (6) Florida Pearl (2002), Sir Des Champs (2013), Boston Bob (2014), Bellshill (2018), Kemboy (2019), Allaho (2022)
Irish St. Leger - (1) Wicklow Brave (2016)
Irish Champion Hurdle - (8) Hurricane Fly (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015), Faugheen (2016), State Man (2023, 2024)
Punchestown Champion Hurdle - (10) Davenport Milenium (2002), Hurricane Fly (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013), Faugheen (2015), Vroum Vroum Mag (2016), Wicklow Brave (2017), State Man (2023, 2024)
Punchestown Champion Chase - (8) Micko's Dream (2001), Golden Silver (2010), Felix Yonger (2015), Un de Sceaux (2018, 2019), Chacun Pour Soi (2021), Energumene (2022, 2023)
Champion Stayers Hurdle - (10) Holy Orders (2003), Fiveforthree (2009), Quevega (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013), Faugheen (2018), Klassical Dream (2021, 2022, 2023)
Champion INH Flat Race - (12) Maringo (1995), Cousin Vinny (2008), Lovethehigherlaw (2011), Champagne Fever (2012), Shaneshill (2014), Bellshill (2015), Blow By Blow (2016), Tornado Flyer (2018), Colreevy (2019), Kilcruit (2021), Facile Vega (2022), Redemption Day (2024)
Herald Champion Novice Hurdle - (10) Hurricane Fly (2009), Blackstairmountain (2010), Faugheen (2014), Douvan (2015), Cilaos Emery (2017), Draconien (2018), Klassical Dream (2019), Echoes in Rain (2021), Facile Vega (2023), Mystical Power (2024)
Barberstown Castle Novice Chase - (11) Barker (2009), Arvika Ligeonniere (2013), Un de Sceaux (2015), Douvan (2016), Great Field (2017), Footpad (2018), Chacun Pour Soi (2019), Energumene (2021), Blue Lord (2022), El Fabiolo (2023), Il Etait Temps (2024)
Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle - (13) Davenport Milenium (2002), Nobody Told Me (2003), Sadlers Wings (2004), Glencove Marina (2007), Mikael d'Haguenet (2009), Un Atout (2013), Vautour (2014), Nichols Canyon (2015), Bacardys (2017), Gaillard Du Mesnil (2021), State Man (2022), Impaire Et Passe (2023), Ballyburn (2024)
Champion Four Year Old Hurdle - (11) Holy Order (2001), Quatre Heures (2006), Diakali (2013), Abbyssial (2014), Petite Parisienne (2015), Apple's Jade (2016), Bapaume (2017), Saldier (2018), Vauban (2022), Lossiemouth (2023), Kargese (2024)
Channor Group Novice Hurdle - (9) The Midnight Club (2009), Marasonnien (2012), Killultagh Vic (2015), Bellshill (2016), Next Destination (2018), Galopin Des Champs (2021), The Nice Guy (2022), Gaelic Warrior (2023), Dancing City (2024)
Mares Champion Hurdle - (10) Tarla (2010), Glens Melody (2013), Annie Power (2014, 2015), Whiteout (2016), Benie Des Dieux (2018, 2019), Stormy Ireland (2021), Echoes In Rain (2023), Lossiemouth (2024)
Morgiana Hurdle - (13) Padashpan (1993), Thousand Stars (2011), Hurricane Fly (2012, 2013, 2014), Nichols Canyon (2015, 2016), Faugheen (2017), Sharjah (2018, 2021), Saldier (2019), State Man (2022, 2023)
Royal Bond Novice Hurdle - (9) Alexander Banquet (1998), Hurricane Fly (2008), Zaidpour (2010), Sous les Cieux (2011), Nichols Canyon (2014), Long Dog (2015), Airlie Beach (2016), Quick Grabim (2018), Statuaire (2021)
Drinmore Novice Chase - (4) Alexander Banquet (1999), Arvika Ligeonniere (2012), Valseur Lido (2014), I Am Maximus (2023)
Hatton's Grace Hurdle - (3) Hurricane Fly (2010), Zaidpour (2012), Arctic Fire (2015)
John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase - (9) Florida Pearl (2001), Arvika Ligeonniere (2013), Djakadam (2015, 2016), Min (2018, 2019, 2020), Allaho (2021), Galopin Des Champs (2022)
Racing Post Novice Chase - (9) Missed That (2005), Blackstairmountain (2011), Arvika Ligeonniere (2012), Douvan (2015), Min (2016), Footpad (2017), Franco De Port (2020), Ferny Hollow (2021), Saint Roi (2022)
Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase - (6) Golden Silver (2009), Twinlight (2014), Douvan (2016), Chacun Pour Soi (2020), Blue Lord (2022), Dinoblue (2023)
Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle - (7) Hurricane Fly (2008), Long Dog (2015), Saturnas (2016), Whiskey Sour (2017), Aramon (2018), Appreciate It (2020), Facile Vega (2022)
Christmas Hurdle - (4) Mourad (2010), Zaidpour (2013), Vroum Vroum Mag (2016), Klassical Dream (2021)
Savills Chase - (3) Don Poli (2015), Kemboy (2018), Galopin Des Champs (2023)
December Festival Hurdle - (11) Hurricane Fly (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014), Nichols Canyon (2015), Sharjah (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021), State Man (2022, 2023)
Fort Leney Novice Chase - (5) Back In Focus (2012), Don Poli (2014), Monkfish (2020), Gaillard Du Mesnil (2022), Grangeclare West (2023)
Faugheen Novice Chase - (8) Financial Reward (2008), Sir Des Champs (2011), The Paparrazi Kid (2013), Outlander (2015), Bellshill (2016), Faugheen (2019), Colreevy (2020), Gaelic Warrior (2023)
Slaney Novice Hurdle - (9) Homer Wells (2005), Mikael D'haguenet (2009), Gagewell Flyer (2011), Briar Hill (2014), Mckinley (2015), Bellshill (2016), Next Destination (2018), Champ Kiely (2023), Readin Tommy Wrong (2024)
Arkle Novice Chase - (10) Assessed (2002), Missed That (2006), Golden Silver (2009), Un de Sceaux (2015), Douvan (2016), Footpad (2018), Energumene (2021), Blue Lord (2022), El Fabiolo (2023), Il Etait Temps (2024)
Dublin Chase - (7) Min (2018, 2019), Chaucun Pour Soi (2020, 2021, 2022), Gentleman De Mee (2023), El Fabiolo (2024)
Golden Cygnet Novice Hurdle - (9) Boston Bob (2012), Pont Alexandre (2013), Sure Reef (2014), Outlander (2015), A Toi Phil (2016), Let's Dance (2017), Gaillard Du Mesnil (2021), Minella Cocooner (2022), Dancing City (2024)
Spring Juvenile Hurdle - (7) Mister Hight (2006) Petite Parisienne (2015), Footpad (2016), Mr Adjudicator (2018), Vauban (2022), Gala Marceau (2023), Kargese(2024)
Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle - (12) Alexander Banquet (1999), Champagne Fever (2013), Vautour (2014), Nichols Canyon (2015), Bleu Et Rouge (2016), Bacardys (2017), Klassical Dream (2019), Asterion Forlonge (2020), Appreciate It (2021), Sir Gerhard (2022), Il Etait Temps (2023), Ballyburn (2024)
Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase - (11) Florida Pearl (1998), J'y Vole (2008), Cooldine (2009), Citizen Vic (2010), Boston Bob (2013), Ballycasey (2014), Outlander (2016), Faugheen (2020), Monkfish (2021), Galopin Des Champs (2022), Fact To File (2024)
Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final - (8) Nobody Told Me (2003), Annie Power (2013), Adriana Des Mottes (2014), Augusta Kate (2017), Laurina (2018), Brandy Love (2022), Ashroe Diamond (2023), Jade De Grugy (2024)
Boylesports Gold Cup - (5) Al Boum Photo (2018), Voix Du Reve (2019), Janidil (2021), Galopin Des Champs (2022), Flame Bearer (2023)
Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase - (5) Kempes (2010), Sir Des Champs (2012), Valseur Lido (2015), Colreevy (2021), Capodanno (2022)
Ladbrokes Champion Chase - (1) Florida Pearl (1999)

---- Saudi Arabia

Neom Turf Cup - (1) True Self (2021)

---- Australia

Queen Elizabeth Stakes - (2) True Self (2019, 2020)

---- Great Britain

Grand National - (2) Hedgehunter (2005), I Am Maximus (2024)
King George VI Chase - (2) Florida Pearl (2001), Tornado Flyer (2021)
Tingle Creek Chase - (1) Un de Sceaux (2016)
Christmas Hurdle - (2) Faugheen (2014, 2015)
Tolworth Hurdle - (1) Yorkhill (2016)
Clarence House Chase - (3) Un de Sceaux (2016, 2017, 2018)
Scilly Isles Novices' Chase - (1) Gitane Du Berlais (2015)
Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices' Hurdle - (2) Apple's Jade (2016), Zenta (2023)
Betway Bowl - (2) Florida Pearl (2002), Kemboy (2019)
Aintree Hurdle - (2) Annie Power (2016), Impaire Et Passe (2024)
Melling Chase - (2) Boston Bob (2014), Min (2019)
Mersey Novices' Hurdle - (2) Nichols Canyon (2015), Yorkhill (2016)
Maghull Novices' Chase - (2) Douvan (2016), Gentleman De Mee (2022)
Manifesto Novices' Chase - (1) Il Etait Temps (2024)
Sefton Novices' Hurdle - (1) Dancing City (2024)
Top Novices' Hurdle - (1) - Mystical Power (2024)

---- United States

Peapack Hurdle Stakes - (1) Pravalaguna (2019)
Iroquois Steeplechase – (1) Scaramanga (2023)

---- France

Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil - (5) Nobody Told Me (2003), Rule Supreme (2004), Thousand Stars (2011, 2012), Benie des Dieux (2019)
Prix Alain du Breil - (3) Diakali (2013), Footpad (2016), Gala Marceau (2023)
Grand Prix d'Automne - (1) Thousand Stars (2015)

---- Japan

Nakayama Grand Jump -(1) Blackstairmountain (2013)

Major wins as a jockey

Ireland

December Festival Hurdle - (1) Grabel (1988)

Great Britain

Champion Bumper - (1) Wither or Which (1996)

References

External links

Notes and References

Book: Clower. Michael. Kings of the Turf. 2007. Arum Press Ltd. London. 1845132793. 39.
News: Willie Mullins. 17 March 2018. BBC Sport. 8 April 2005.
Web site: Willie Mullins and Paul Townend just champion again in Ireland . Independent.ie . 5 May 2023 . en . 25 April 2023.
Web site: Jackson . Lee . 2024-03-08 . The Rise and Rise of Willie Mullins . 2024-07-03 . Tonybet Blog . en.
http://www.hri.ie/Content/HRI/hriprofilestrainer.aspx?id=816 Willie Mullins at Horse Racing Ireland
Web site: Cheltenham Festival winners. WP Mullins. 17 March 2018.
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/2009/03/11/punjabi-so-brave-for-henderson-86908-21189079 "Cheltenham Festival: Punjabi So Brave For Henderson"
Web site: Trainer Willie Mullins scoops eighth win to break festival record. Irish Mirror. 14 March 2015.
News: Peacock. Tom. Cheltenham 2018: Final triumph crowns ‘golden era’ in Irish racing. 17 March 2018. The Irish Times. 16 March 2018.
Web site: Keogh . Frank . Willie Mullins seals historic 100th Cheltenham Festival win . BBC Sport . 15 March 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240314100449/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/68559253 . 14 March 2024 . 13 March 2024 . live.
Web site: Willie Mullins and Gigginstown House in split, Gordon Elliott to train Don Poli. At The Races. 5 March 2018. en.
Web site: Mullins crowned champion jumps trainer . www.rte.ie . 2021-12-29.
Web site: Nelson . Craig . Mullins clinches British jump trainers' title . BBC Sport . 27 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240427165152/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/articles/cw8qdx01ww2o . 27 April 2024 . 27 April 2024 . live.
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/racing/cheltenham-2016-mullins-clan-immersed-in-the-business-of-racing-1.2569921 Mullins clan immersed in the business of racing, Irish Times, 11 March 2016.
Web site: Ascot Racecourse on Twitter . Twitter . 29 June 2023.