Nick Rockett seals fairytale Grand National win at 33-1 for dad-and-son team
Tears were flowing at Aintree after the most unforgettable of wins
Sam Morgan,
NICK ROCKETT sealed a fairytale Grand National win for Bradford-born Stewart Andrew - with his beloved late wife's favourite horse.
The Willie Mullins-trained monster ridden by amateur jockey and son Patrick saw off last year's winner I Am Maximus at huge odds of 33-1.
Jockey Patrick Mullins winning the Randox Grand National on Nick Rockett.
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Amateur jockey Patrick Mullins - son of legendary trainer Willie - flies past the post on 33-1 Nick Rockett to win the Grand NationalCredit: PA
A jockey and two men celebrating a horse race victory.
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Patrick is carried back into the winner's enclosure by Stewart Andrew, the owner of Nick Rockett whose wife sadly died a little over two years ago
Willie Mullins wiping his eyes.
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The usually unflappable Mullins broke down in tears as he was interviewed after the hugely emotional win
Patrick Mullins and Willie Mullins holding the Randox Grand National trophy.
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Amateur jock Patrick and legendary dad Willie celebrate winning the Grand NationalCredit: PA
Andrew's wife Sadie died from cancer in December 2022 just days after seeing Nick Rockett's debut run.
Nick Rockett is still officially owned by Stewart and Sadie - but it is just Stewart who travels between Britain and Ireland watching his superstar horse.
And he will have looked to the skies toasting his late wife after the win of a lifetime, which sealed him a cheque for £500,000.
The astonishing scenes came on a day of high drama at Aintree that saw...
The day got off to a disastrous start for punters with a load of runners withdrawn
Glam revellers packed the racecourse on one of the warmest days of the year
A legendary jockey announced her retirement aged 42 as she revealed she's pregnant
Unflappable Mullins, the top trainer over jumps, broke down in tears on live TV after - the emotion of the incredible win far too much even for him.
He threatened to earlier this year when Nick Rockett won a big race in Ireland - but just about managed to keep his emotions in check.
But the enormity of the Grand National - the world's most famous race - and winning it for a true pal saw him totally overcome.
The emotional owner said after the win: "Out of such sadness, joy has been born.
"Nick Rockett has done it all for me."
Stewart said he struggled in the years following his wife's death, which came just three weeks after she was diagnosed.
But he counts Mullins as a friend - especially after he helped get him out of the 'shell' he had got into mourning his wife.
Stewart told the Racing Post: "After Sadie died, I went over to Willie to watch Nick Rockett work with Fergal O'Brien as he had a horse running in the Kerry National and Fergal's daughter was working for Willie.
"I was in a tough place, missing Sadie, and Willie said he had two horses, Vauban and Absurde, running in the Melbourne Cup and asked if I wanted to come out.
"I went out and had the time of my life with the guys.
"It took me out of a cycle of not socialising as I had gone into a bit of a shell.
"We had a fantastic time and I got asked again last year and there was no way I was going to miss it."
Now there will be a massive party of a different kind celebrating this heartwarming win.
The top three was rounded out by Grangeclare West at 33-1 - completing an amazing 1-2-3 for Mullins.
In fourth was British-trained Iroko, who fared the best of the home hope after being backed into 13-2 before the off.
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