Nick Rockett, a 33-1 longshot, triumphed in a thrilling four-and-a-quarter-mile race, overtaking strong competition including stablemate I Am Maximus. Ridden by Patrick Mullins, son of trainer Willie Mullins, Nick Rockett showcased impressive speed, winning by two and a half lengths. The victory marked a celebratory moment for the Mullins family as Patrick joined his cousins in having won this prestigious race. Patrick expressed the emotional weight of the victory, reflecting on his childhood dreams of competing at this level, while trainer Willie Mullins celebrated the win as an extraordinary experience.
"I had too good a start and was having to take him back all the way. I was wondering at Canal Turn had I lost too much ground, but he just jumped fantastic."
"It's everything I've dreamed of since I was a kid, I know it's a cliche but when I was five or six years old, reading books about the National and watching black and white videos of Red Rum. To put my name there is very special."
"The horse is fine and I wouldn't mind going for a cold bath now myself. He's just a brilliant horse. He'd be one of the smallest in the field but he's as brave as a lion."
"That was some result. It's lovely to be able to give your son a ride in the National, but to win it, it's unbelievable."
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