Will Mullins have the last laugh again on April Fool's Day as Nick Rockett prepares for lift-off?

Willie Mullins poses on day three of the Cheltenham Festival

Willie Mullins: it took over three decades for the master trainer to win the Irish Grand NationalCredit: Alan Crowhurst

It took Willie Mullins 31 years to win the Irish Grand National. It might be April Fool's Day, but that is no joke.

Burrows Saint belatedly ended the drought in 2019, and I Am Maximus somehow managed to hand him a second success last year under an outrageous Paul Townend steer, but this is one Irish concert where the backing singers get a chance to headline the main stage.

Dermot McLoughlin, who hits the bullseye by turning 50 today, has gatecrashed the occasion more than anyone else in recent years. Freewheelin Dylan was 150-1 when he won in 2021 and the following year Lord Lariat scored at 40-1.

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David JenningsDeputy Ireland editor

Published on 31 March 2024inPreviews

Last updated 18:51, 31 March 2024

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