3 minute read
Willie Mullins officially became the first Irish-based British champion trainer since Vincent O’Brien 70 years ago when El Fabiolo finished runner-up in the Grade 1 Celebration Chase at Sandown.
Having started the day £162,000 in front of his nearest challenger Dan Skelton, the trainers' title was as good as sealed for team Mullins, but it wasn't until El Fabiolo earned £36,329 for his gallant runner-up effort in the Grade 1 Celebration Chase that the Closutton maestro was officially over the line.
"It's been a fantastic year and I have to thank my owners who said whatever you need to bring to England, bring them to England," said Willie Mullins, who has enjoyed a remarkable season having saddled Galopin Des Champs to Gold Cup glory and I Am Maximus to the land the Aintree Grand National just a fortnight ago.
"Between my owners and staff what more could you ask for and that's a good team of horses, I suppose. When you start off with the right people the horses will come.
"Vincent O'Brien is the legend of the game and to do something he did is extraordinary and something we never even thought of or could comprehend doing. We're delighted, everyone at Closutton is very happy."
As so often is the case, Mullins was quick to defect his accomplishments to his team and those closest around him. "It's fantastic to be the champion trainer. I would like to thank all my owners who have been magnificent. They said bring to England whatever you need to win the title, which was tremendous," he said.
"Between the owners, my staff and my jockeys – what more could you ask for? You need the horses but if you have got the setup, the horses will come.
"We had never dreamed of doing it but after we were pipped at the post in 2016, I said if we ever got the opportunity again then we would go for it. David Casey went through all our horses to find out what was qualified for all races in England, Scotland and Wales!
"What more can I say? I am amazed at the racing public over here, to be welcomed with such open arms everywhere we have gone. I would also like to thank the sponsors for putting on such a great day with a large prize money pot.
"It has been such a special day with Jackie (his wife), Patrick (son), David Casey, Ruby Walsh, James Nash and others from back in the day as well as a big crowd of friends all here today.
"I am sure we are going to celebrate long and hard! We will start off this evening, go on through the whole of Punchestown next week and maybe a few days after that!
"Everyone at home at Closutton, the local community and the whole of Irish racing has really been hyped by the whole thing and wishing us the best of luck for today."
