Willie Mullins

William Peter Mullins (born 15 September 1956)[1][2]

is an Irish racehorse trainer and former jockey. He is a Willie Mullins
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 105 winners. He was the trainer of the 2024
Grand National and 2025 Grand National winner I Am
Maximus and 2025 winner Nick Rockett.

Personal life
Mullins was born and raised around horses. His father,
Paddy Mullins, was a horse trainer, and his mother,
Maureen, was a successful breeder.[4]
Willie Mullins at Gowran Park, 2020
Mullins is from Goresbridge, County Kilkenny, but is Occupation Trainer
based at Closutton, Bagenalstown, County Carlow,
Born 15 September 1956
Ireland. He was educated at Cistercian College,
Goresbridge, County Kilkenny,
Roscrea, an all-boys Catholic boarding school in
Ireland
County Offaly.[5]
Career 500 + (as a jockey),
His son, Patrick Mullins, is an amateur jockey riding wins 4000 + (as a trainer)
mainly in Ireland for his father and acting as assistant Major racing wins
trainer to him. Patrick rode Nick Rockett to the 2025 As a steeplechase jockey:
Randox Grand National title. Mullins' wife, Jackie,
1983 Aintree Fox Hunters' Chase (1983)
was a successful amateur rider.[6] With his wife, he
was invited to ride in the King's procession at Royal
As a trainer in English
Ascot 2023.[7] steeplechasing:

Cheltenham Gold Cup (2019,20,23,24)

Career Champion Hurdle (2011,13,15,16,24)
Queen Mother Champion Chase (2022,23)
Mullins commenced racehorse training in 1988,[8]
having previously worked as an assistant to his father Grand National (2005,24,25)
and Jim Bolger. He is a former six-time amateur King George VI Chase (2001, 2021)
champion jockey in Ireland, winning the 1983 Aintree Racing awards
Fox Hunters' Chase on Atha Cliath and the 1996
British jump racing Champion Trainer (1),
Cheltenham Bumper on Wither Or Which.[9]
Irish National Hunt Champion trainer (17)
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.[10] In the 2015 Cheltenham Festival
Mullins trained eight winners, a joint record at the Cheltenham Festival which Gordon Elliott equalled in
2018.[11][12] 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.[13] 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.[14]
Despite this he was the Irish Champion trainer in the 2016/17 season.[15]

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.[16]

Cheltenham Festival winners (113)

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 - (8) Tourist Attraction (1995), Ebaziyan (2007), Champagne
Fever (2013), Vautour (2014), Douvan (2015), Klassical Dream (2019), Appreciate It (2021),
Kopek Des Bordes (2025)
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 - (11) Quevega (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014),
Glens Melody (2015), Vroum Vroum Mag (2016), Benie Des Dieux (2018), Lossiemouth
(2024, 2025)
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 - (7) Florida Pearl (1998), Rule Supreme (2004), Cooldine
(2009), Don Poli (2015), Monkfish (2021), Fact To File (2024), Lecky Watson (2025)
Champion Bumper - (14) 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), Bambino Fever (2025)
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle - (4) Penhill (2017), Monkfish (2020), The Nice Guy (2022),
Jasmin De Vaux (2025)
Ryanair Chase - (6) Vautour (2016), Un de Sceaux (2017), Min (2020), Allaho (2021, 2022),
Fact To File (2025)
Triumph Hurdle - (6) Scolardy (2002), Burning Victory (2020), Vauban (2022), Lossiemouth
(2023), Majborough (2024), Poniros (2025)
 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 - (2) Bleu Berry (2018), Jimmy Du Seuil (2025)
County Handicap Hurdle - (8) Thousand Stars (2010), Final Approach (2011), Wicklow
Brave (2015), Arctic Fire (2017), Saint Roi (2020), State Man (2022), Absurde (2024),
Kargese (2025)
Golden Miller Novices' Chase - (4) Sir Des Champs (2012), Vautour (2015), Black Hercules
(2016), Yorkhill (2017)
Liberthine Mares' Chase - (3) Colreevy (2021), Elimay (2022), Dinoblue (2025)
St James's Place Festival Hunter Chase - (1) Billaway (2022)

Other major wins

Ireland

Irish Gold Cup - (14) 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, 2025)
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 - (9) Hurricane Fly (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015), Faugheen
(2016), State Man (2023, 2024, 2025)
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 - (10) 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), Tounsivator (2024)
Drinmore Novice Chase - (4) Alexander Banquet (1999), Arvika Ligeonniere (2012), Valseur
Lido (2014), I Am Maximus (2023)
Hatton's Grace Hurdle - (4) Hurricane Fly (2010), Zaidpour (2012), Arctic Fire (2015),
Lossiemouth (2024)
John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase - (10) Florida Pearl (2001), Arvika Ligeonniere
(2013), Djakadam (2015, 2016), Min (2018, 2019, 2020), Allaho (2021), Galopin Des
Champs (2022), Fact To File (2024)
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 - (4) Don Poli (2015), Kemboy (2018), Galopin Des Champs (2023, 2024)
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 - (9) Financial Reward (2008), Sir Des Champs (2011), The
Paparrazi Kid (2013), Outlander (2015), Bellshill (2016), Faugheen (2019), Colreevy (2020),
Gaelic Warrior (2023), Impaire Et Passe (2024)
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 - (11) 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), Majborough (2025)
Dublin Chase - (7) Min (2018, 2019), Chaucun Pour Soi (2020, 2021, 2022), Gentleman De
Mee (2023), El Fabiolo (2024)
Golden Cygnet Novice Hurdle - (10) 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), Final Demand (2025)
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 - (13) 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), Kopek Des Bordes (2025)
Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase - (12) 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), Ballyburn (2025)
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 - (3) Hedgehunter (2005), I Am Maximus (2024), Nick Rockett (2025)
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 - (3) Apple's Jade (2016), Zenta (2023), Murcia (2025)
Betway Bowl - (3) Florida Pearl (2002), Kemboy (2019), Gaelic Warrior (2025)
Aintree Hurdle - (3) Annie Power (2016), Impaire Et Passe (2024), Lossiemouth (2025)
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 - (2) Il Etait Temps (2024), Impaire Et Passe (2025)
Sefton Novices' Hurdle - (1) Dancing City (2024)
Top Novices' Hurdle - (2) - Mystical Power (2024), Salvator Mundi (2025)

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
1. Clower, Michael (2007). Kings of the Turf. London: Arum Press Ltd. p. 39.
ISBN 1845132793.
2. "Willie Mullins" (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/horse_racing/4398695.stm).
BBC Sport. 8 April 2005. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
3. "Willie Mullins and Paul Townend just champion again in Ireland" (https://m.independent.ie/s
port/horse-racing/willie-mullins-and-paul-townend-just-champion-again-in-ireland/a3759360
61.html). Independent.ie. 25 April 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
4. Jackson, Lee (8 March 2024). "The Rise and Rise of Willie Mullins" (https://blog.tonybet.co
m/ie/horse-racing/the-rise-and-rise-of-willie-mullins/). Tonybet Blog. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
5. "Willie Mullins returns to Cistercian College" (https://ccr.ie/willie-mullins-returns-to-cistercian-
college/). ccr.ie. Cistercian College. 24 May 2024. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
6. Mullins clan immersed in the business of racing, Irish Times, 11 March 2016. (https://www.iri
shtimes.com/sport/racing/cheltenham-2016-mullins-clan-immersed-in-the-business-of-racing
-1.2569921)
7. "Ascot Racecourse on Twitter" (https://twitter.com/Ascot/status/1671110937946857473?s=2
0). Twitter. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
8. Willie Mullins at Horse Racing Ireland (http://www.hri.ie/Content/HRI/hriprofilestrainer.aspx?i
d=816)
9. "Cheltenham Festival winners" (http://wpmullins.com/cheltenham-festival-winners/). WP
Mullins. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
10. "Cheltenham Festival: Punjabi So Brave For Henderson" (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/spor
t/horse-racing/2009/03/11/punjabi-so-brave-for-henderson-86908-21189079)
dailyrecord.co.uk, 11 March 2009, accessed 11 March 2009
11. "Trainer Willie Mullins scoops eighth win to break festival record" (http://www.irishmirror.ie/sp
ort/horse-racing/cheltenham-festival-2015-trainer-willie-5329969). Irish Mirror. Retrieved
14 March 2015.
12. Peacock, Tom (16 March 2018). "Cheltenham 2018: Final triumph crowns 'golden era' in
Irish racing" (https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/racing/cheltenham-2018-final-triumph-crowns-
golden-era-in-irish-racing-1.3430025). The Irish Times. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
13. Keogh, Frank (13 March 2024). "Willie Mullins seals historic 100th Cheltenham Festival win"
(https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/68559253). BBC Sport. Archived (https://web.arch
ive.org/web/20240314100449/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/68559253) from the
original on 14 March 2024. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
14. "Willie Mullins and Gigginstown House in split, Gordon Elliott to train Don Poli" (http://www.at
theraces.com/article/567160). At The Races. Retrieved 5 March 2018.
15. "Mullins crowned champion jumps trainer" (https://www.rte.ie/sport/racing/2017/0429/87138
0-mullins/). www.rte.ie. Retrieved 29 December 2021.
16. Nelson, Craig (27 April 2024). "Mullins clinches British jump trainers' title" (https://www.bbc.c
o.uk/sport/horse-racing/articles/cw8qdx01ww2o). BBC Sport. Archived (https://web.archive.o
rg/web/20240427165152/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/articles/cw8qdx01ww2o)
from the original on 27 April 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2024.

External links
Willie Mullins' Official Website (http://www.wpmullins.com/)
Willie Mullins' Cheltenham Festival Winners (http://wpmullins.com/cheltenham-festival-winne
rs/)
Willie Mullins' Horses in training (http://www.nagme.com/trainer/463/W-P-Mullins)

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