SKY-HIGH JOY FOR ROCKETT

Master trainer Mullins saddles first three, led by son Patrick

- Melissa JONES

WILLIE MULLINS cried tears of joy as his son Patrick powered to victory on 33-1 outsider Nick Rockett in the Randox Grand National at Aintree.

In one of the greatest-ever training performances, the Irishman saddled a record 1-2-3 and had two of his other three horses finishing in the top seven.

Nick Rockett crossed the line ahead of defending champion I Am Maximus (7-1) with Grangeclare West (33-1) close-up in third on a glorious afternoon in Liverpool.

"You can't write this," said Mullins, also responsible for fifth-placed Meetingofthewaters and seventh Minella Cocooner. "It's way off the scale to have your son ride the National winner.

"At the start of the race, I was thinking how do I watch all these runners but I decided to focus on Patrick as he was the most important.

"With 50 yards to go I just lost it completely. It's the best day ever."