Son calls tune for historic Mullins 1-2-3

NICK ROCKETT gave Willie Mullins "the best day ever" with a Grand National 1-2-3 that added a new member of the family to Aintree's roll of honour - the trainer's son, Patrick.

- BY DAVID YATES Newsboy Columnist X@thebedfordfox

Closutton-based Mullins has re-written every record in the National Hunt racing book and done it with typical understatement.

But the 68-year-old cried tears of emotion in the grandstand as he witnessed his 33/1 chance Nick Rockett answer the champion amateur jockey's every call to deny stablemate I Am Maximus back-to-back victories in the world's most famous steeplechase.

Two and a half lengths separated the front pair at the line. Grangeclare West, half a length away, capped a clean sweep. Meetingofthewaters came in fifth for Mullins, two places up on his Minella Cocooner.

Iroko, gambled down to 13/2 favourite just before the off, fared best of the home challenge in fourth.

Mullins was still having to fight for his composure while he made his way to the racecourse paddock, and the trainer said: "That was some result I can't explain it, I can't comprehend it and I find it hard to take.

"To be able to leg your son up, to give your son a ride in the National? It's lovely - but to be able to win it was just unbelievable.

"I couldn't shout or breathe, I was just watching and hoping.