Trainer Willie Mullins Makes Grand National History at 69

At 69 years old, Willie Mullins isn't slowing down. He's making history.

The Irish horse trainer just won his third consecutive Grand National at Aintree with I Am Maximus, becoming only the second person ever to achieve this feat. The last trainer to win three in a row was the legendary Vincent O'Brien between 1953 and 1955.

"To be mentioned in the same breath as Vincent O'Brien is just off the charts," Mullins told BBC Radio 5 Live. "You never dream of that sort of thing."

The path to greatness wasn't quick. After winning his first Grand National in 2005, Mullins waited 19 patient years before I Am Maximus won in 2024, then again in 2025 with Nick Rockett, and now 2026 with I Am Maximus returning to victory.

I Am Maximus made his own piece of history too. He became the first horse since the famous Red Rum in 1977 to win the Grand National twice, and the first top-weighted horse to triumph in over 50 years.

Jockey Paul Townend, who rode I Am Maximus to victory, called the experience surreal. "When I grew up, jockeys were superheroes to me and I can't believe I am part of that big circle now," the 35-year-old said.

Why This Inspires

What makes Mullins' story special isn't just the records. It's his perspective on success at an age when many have retired.

"The older I get, the more I enjoy it," he explained. "When I was younger it was more about winning and wanting to win and needing to win, but now I can see the bigger picture of sport."

He credits his entire team for the victories, praising his staff for working through the wettest winter he's experienced in 40 years of training. "I have a team that do everything for me," he said humbly. "Where would we be without our staff?"

Mullins now shares the all-time Grand National training record with four wins total, alongside George Dockeray, Fred Rimell, and Ginger McCain. But for this veteran trainer, the joy comes from the journey and the people around him.

"I enjoy the people in racing, I enjoy the people in sport," Mullins said. "I love having happy horses and having happy staff."

Sometimes the best victories come with age and wisdom.