
presenter Ed Chamberlin has thanked Willie Mullins for successfully making his 'wish' come true at the . The legendary Irishman trained all of the top-three finishers, with Nick Rockett securing a famous victory ahead of I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West. Remarkably, his son Patrick was aboard the winning horse.
Nick Rockett's owner, Stewart Andrew, was overcome with emotion after watching the gelding win the world's most famous race. His wife Sadie sadly died from cancer in 2022, just five days after watching Nick Rockett in his first outing. Chamberlin, who fronted ITV's live coverage, was left in awe of the heartwarming stories the race provided.
Writing in his column, he thanked Mullins for giving the public 'something romantic' that would not be found in any other sport.
"Well, I got my wish," wrote Chamberlin. "I asked on Friday night for a story from the Randox Grand National, for something romantic with which the public could connect. How we got that.
"Willie Mullins may have secured his third Aintree triumph and his three incredible days have put him on the brink of becoming Britain's Champion Trainer once again, but what we saw in the world's greatest race was so much more than facts and figures.
"To be with Stewart Andrew afterwards was to be reminded about what horses can do for humans. Stewart lost his wife, Sadie, in 2022 shortly after she had asked Willie to buy Nick Rockett for them to enjoy.
"Tragically, they never got to do it, but a Rockett was sent to heaven when Patrick Mullins hurtled past the winning post. Stewart loves talking about Sadie's memory and how the gelding has helped fill the void in his life.
"You wouldn't get a narrative like this in any other sport, and that is why I maintain it remains the best 10 minutes of action you will see anywhere."
following Broadway Boy's horrific fall and Celebre D'Allen's collapse. He said they 'worked miracles' to provide safe ground which may have prevented the two horses from suffering fatal injuries.
"We cannot avoid the fact that danger remains a part of the Grand National," added Chamberlin. "These horses are bred to race and we know there are risks, but Aintree have moved with the times consistently to ensure the jeopardy has been tackled.
"The ground staff, for instance, worked miracles to provide safe ground. It was an incredible spectacle. A Willie Mullins 1-2-3, a triumph for his son, Patrick, and an outcome that Stewart Andrew will never forget."
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