Willie Mullins hailed a "genius" by AP McCoy after winning British trainers' title
Minella Cocooner, ridden by Willie Mullins' nephew Danny, raced to victory in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown. His stable trained Gold Cup and Grand National winners during a memorable campaign
Willie Mullins was hailed a "genius" as he emulated his all-time hero by winning the British trainers' championship.
Jump racing's flagbearer paid tribute to Vincent O'Brien – the last Irishman to achieve the feat 70 years ago – during a memorable season finale at Sandown.
Mullins had the title wrapped up when Minella Cocooner, ridden by his nephew Danny, raced to a thrilling Bet365 Gold Cup victory. It was a fitting final result after Galopin Des Champs retained the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month and I Am Maximus routed the Grand National field.
And despite an odds on reverse with El Fabiolo, Celebration Chase prize money put the title out of reach for second-placed Dan Skelton.
"The legend of the game Vincent O'Brien won this 70 years ago and no-one ever dreamt it could be done again – and here we are," Closutton-based Mullins said.
"I don't know how to feel. We will start celebrating tonight, I don't know when it's going to stop!"
Sir AP McCoy was among industry professionals to lavish praise on the winner of more than £3million in prize money.
"He's a genius," the 20-time champion jockey said. "There has never been a more dominant jumps trainer."
Mullins, 67, was £180,000 ahead of Skelton, with 14-time winner Paul Nicholls in third, when the seven-race card began.
The dream started to become a reality when the all-conquering Irish stable sent out nine winners – and hit a historic first century – at Cheltenham. After a successful Aintree, Macdermott plundered the Scottish Grand National pot, headlining a 4,462-1 four-timer in the process.
“This is something that shouldn’t be achievable, but Willie has gone and done it," said Danny Mullins, who also played the biggest part in Ayr's raid of prizes.
"That’s the mastery of Willie Mullins, he comes back bouncing again to deliver."
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