Walk In The Park Adds Grand National To Fantastic Season

Nick Rockett (8g Walk In The Park – Eireann Rose, by Flemensfirth) provided the Mullins family and owner Stewart Andrew with a day to remember when triumphing in the Aintree Grand National.

Willie Mullins’ charge lifted the Thyestes Cup in January and followed up in the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase the following month, before bidding to complete a hat-trick at Aintree. Partnered by Patrick Mullins, the bay was one of a number of horses with chances three from home and took the lead at the second last. He dug deep on the run-in as challengers loomed, keeping on well to beat last year’s winner, I Am Maximus, by two and a half lengths.

“I don’t think anything can be better than this,” said an uncharacteristically emotional Willie Mullins after the race. Son Patrick echoed his sentiments of how priceless the win was, saying: “It's everything I dreamed of since I was a kid and it's all downhill from here.”

It marked a poignant win for owner Stewart Andrew, as Nick Rockett was purchased for his wife Sadie, who passed away before he won. On Saturday, Stewart commented: “He won the best two trials in Ireland easily, including the Thyestes, which he won by a distance giving weight away. This is a class horse with the heart of a lion.”

Bred by Kieran Cotter, Nick Rockett began his career with Pat Doyle and was purchased by current connections after a debut win in a four-year-old maiden at Curraghmore. He completes a Cheltenham Gold Cup/ Grand National double for his sire Walk In The Park, who looks set to be crowned champion sire for the second consecutive season.