Willie Mullins Defends British Champion Trainer Title at Sandown

Willie Mullins retained his British champion National Hunt trainer title after a dramatic final day at Sandown, overcoming a significant prize money deficit to Dan Skelton. Mullins began the day trailing by over £68,000 but surged ahead with key victories, including Gaelic Warrior's win in the Oaksey Chase and a surprise success for Il Etait Temps in the Celebration Chase. His stable's dominance was further cemented by multiple horses earning prize money across various races, including taking several of the top placings in the bet365 Gold Cup. The victory marks Mullins' second consecutive British trainers' championship, making him the first Irish-based trainer to achieve this feat since Vincent O’Brien in the 1950s. Skelton, despite leading much of the season and posting impressive results, had to settle for runner-up after Mullins' final day sweep. Mullins credited his team and the support from owners, acknowledging the intense mental challenge of the campaign.