Willie Mullins makes history by being crowned champion trainer in Britain
The Closutton maestro becomes the first Irish-based handler to win the UK's trainer's title since the legendary Vincent O'Brien in the 1950s
Willie Mullins has made history by being crowned champion trainer in Britain for the first time.
The Closutton maestro becomes the first Irish-based handler to win the UK's trainer's title since the legendary Vincent O'Brien in the 1950s.
While odds-on favourite El Fabiolo suffered defeat in the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown on Saturday, the second prize of £36,329 was enough to seal victory over Dan Skelton, whose Nube Negra finished fifth to take home £4,556.
READ MORE:Willie Mullins recalls sleeping in car park as race meeting started
Skelton started the day over £162,000 behind Mullins and the Grade One result meant he would not be able to win enough money in the remaining races to take the win.
A first British title tops another stellar season for Mullins, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Galopin Des Champs and Champion Hurdle with State Man, as well as landing the Grand National with I Am Maximus.
“It’s been a fantastic year and I have to thank my owners who said whatever you need to bring to England, bring them to England,” said Mullins.
“Between my owners and staff what more could you ask for and that’s a good team of horses, I suppose. When you start off with the right people the horses will come.
“Vincent O’Brien is the legend of the game and to do something he did is extraordinary and something we never even thought of or could comprehend doing. We’re delighted, everyone at Closutton is very happy.”
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