Willie Mullins - Closutton, Bagnelstown
Willie Mullins commenced training in 1988 having worked as assistant to both his father, Paddy, and to Jim Bolger. He still rates his father as the biggest influence on his career. Stable jockey Ruby Walsh has already become a household name, adding the 1999 jockeys' title to the amateur crown which he held for the previous two years and he confirmed his appetite for the big stage when landing a unique Aintree / Fairyhouse Grand National double in 2000 on Papillon and Commanche Court.
Willie has enjoyed considerable success at the highest level, with plenty of Cheltenham Festival successes, notably with now-retired stable star Florida Pearl, who won an amazing 16 of his 33 starts and getting on for £1million in prize money.
His victories included the Bumper and the Sun Alliance Chase in successive years at Cheltenham and more famously, the Aintree Grand National, when he trained Hedgehunter to a 2005 Grand National win. Willie trains in a lovely setting at County Carlow in Ireland.
