Patrick Mullins has the opportunity to once again etch his name into Grand National folklore today. Mullins enjoyed the defining moment of his riding career when he steered Nick Rockett to Grand National triumph last year. Racegoers at Aintree witnessed a thrilling spectacle as two of Willie Mullins’ horses battled it out in the closing stages.
Ultimately, it was Nick Rockett who carved his name into Aintree’s record books. Mullins will be aboard Grangeclare West for this afternoon’s showpiece event, with Nick Rockett having been withdrawn on Thursday owing to a medical issue. Yet even if Mullins does follow in Leighton Aspell’s footsteps by claiming back-to-back Grand Nationals on two different horses, he will not pocket a single penny in prize money.
Since 2014, the total prize fund for the Grand National has stood at a staggering £1million. This sum is divided among the top 10 finishers, with the winner taking home £500,000.
However, Mullins will not see a penny of it, as the Irishman is registered as an amateur jockey and therefore receives no payment for riding.
Amateur jockeys compete over both flat and jump courses purely for the love of the sport rather than as a livelihood. It is equally commonplace for an amateur to line up regularly alongside seasoned professionals.
Looking ahead to this afternoon’s contest, Mullins told the Racing Post: « I can’t wait to ride Grangeclare West.
« It’s a pity I’m not getting back aboard Nick Rockett, but this guy is a fantastic substitute. I know people say nowadays your best chance in the race is your first go, and Grangeclare West has been around there already, but we know he stays and jumps and likes the track, so he should be bang there with a chance.
« You don’t have to look too far back to see Leighton Aspell won back-to-back Grand Nationals on different horses so it can be done. »
Trainer Willie Mullins offered his own assessment of Grangeclare West, commenting: « He’s been doing plenty for me at home and likes the track having finished third last year.
« It could have been a different story had he not made a mistake at the last fence that day and he has an excellent chance under Patrick. »
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