Rockett Wins Grand National as Willie Mullins Secures Top

Nick Rockett became the winner of the 2025 Grand National held at Aintree on Saturday, hence landing a major coup for Trainer Willie Mullins and his rider Patrick Mullins. Starting from odds of 33-1, the horse beat a strong field to claim victory ahead of its stable companions, I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West.

This result is quite a moment in the long and chequered history of the Aintree Grand National as the Mullins stable finished up taking all three podium positions in what is arguably one of the hardest races in the sport. For Patrick Mullins, the win was quite pretty special as he said it was one he had looked forward to from childhood.

Following the race, Patrick Mullins shared what the win meant to him.

“When I was five or six, I always remembered reading about the Aintree Grand National and hoping that one day I would have a chance like this,” Rockett said. “Words just do not do this justice; it means the world to my family and I.”

His ride on Nick Rockett was steady and composed, making a decisive move in the closing stages of the race. The horse responded strongly, pushing ahead after the final fence and keeping the lead to the line.

Willie Mullins, already a major name in horse racing, strengthened his record with this performance. With Nick Rockett, I Am Maximus, and Grangeclare West finishing first, second, and third, his yard achieved a rare 1-2-3 at one of the most high-profile events in the calendar.

I Am Maximus, who won the Aintree Grand National in 2024, ran a solid race once again but couldn’t catch Nick Rockett in the final stretch. Grangeclare West stayed close behind, rounding out an all-Mullins finish.

Mullins previously trained Hedgehunter, who won in 2005. His consistent presence in top-level events continues to draw attention from across the sport.

New measures introduced last year focused on fence design and field size. Based on how the 2025 race unfolded, those efforts appear to be having an effect. The event ran without major disruptions or serious incidents.

Although horse racing safety continues to be a topic of discussion, this year’s Aintree Grand National delivered a smooth result under the revised conditions.

The Aintree spectacle sees a massive turnout of racegoers during a highlight event on the National Hunt racing calendar. The day was very much in the spirit, with the crowd vocally supporting their heroes and their underdogs. The atmosphere around the races veiled everyone in excitement, making this one of the most treasured occasions in the memory of all associated with it.

Betting interest remained high, as always. Such odds on NR go as far as 33-1 winning, meaning a big payout for those who backed him very early. The Aintree Grand National is famous for throwing up a surprise winner, and true to tradition, this year was no different.

The win was not only a personal milestone for Patrick Mullins but also a moment that added to the long-running history of the event. For fans, the race once again delivered a gripping finish and a clear result.

With the Aintree Grand National completed, attention now shifts to the rest of the National Hunt Racing season and the start of the flat racing calendar. For Willie Mullins and his team, though, the focus will remain on what they achieved at Aintree.

Their performance this year was the result of careful planning, consistent effort, and deep experience in managing horses at the top level.

Nick Rockett now joins the list of winners in one of the most watched and talked-about races in the UK and Ireland. And for the Mullins family, the 2025 edition will be remembered as a moment when everything came together exactly as hoped.