WILLIE MULLINS is set to collect both the Irish and British trainers titles after winning the Grand National – Britain’s biggest race.
The Irish maestro won NINE races at the Cheltenham Festival, putting him in a challenging position for the title.
EPAWillie Mullins and Paul Townend celebrate another big-race success[/caption]
Bookies weren’t convinced at the time, making Mullins a 5-1 shot to win the British title earlier this month.
Paul Nicholls went into Aintree as the 4-9 favourite to defend his title, with Dan Skelton close behind at 11-4.
This week has flipped the title race on its head, however, with Mullins winning four Grade 1s at the Aintree Festival.
Il Etait Temps, Impaire Et Passe, Mystical Power and Dancing City put Mullins in an even more dangerous position.
Still, Mullins would need to win the Grand National to be in pole position – and win the National he did.
I Am Maximus soared to success under Paul Townend, sprinting clear after the elbow in impressive fashion.
Mullins pocketed a whopping £500,000 for the victory, putting him clear of Nicholls and Skelton at the top.
Ladbrokes have been left cowering in fear, making Mullins an odds-on 4-5 shot for the title.
Those who took short odds on Nicholls will be licking their wounds, with the defending champ out to 7-2, behind Skelton at 2-1.
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “This year’s trainers title race is giving the Premier League race a run for its money.
In what has turned into a very exciting three horse race, Willie Mullins’ Grand National victory has put him firmly in front of his rivals.”
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