The 2023/24 National Hunt season witnessed a truly monumental achievement. Not since 1953/54 had a trainer based in Ireland claimed the British crown. Seventy years after Vincent O’Brien’s second win, Willie Mullins edged out Dan Skelton to further embellish his staggering CV.
Following his title win, Mullins was keen to downplay his chances of emulating O’Brien and winning back-to-back championships. Nevertheless, the Mullins machine rolled on in 2024/25, with a stellar spring blowing his rivals away once more.
Hattrick in His Sights
Heading into 2025/26, Mullins stands on the cusp of surpassing the achievement of the great Vincent O’Brien. Could he possibly win three in a row? Few punters would be in a rush to bet against the Closutton colossus.
One of the hallmarks of Mullins’ two title wins has been an incredible end to the season. In both 2023/24 and 2024/25, he looked up against it at times in the first half of the season. Each time, he was rescued by an incredible series of results in the spring.
While exciting for the fans, such nail-biting conclusions can’t do much for the nerves of those involved. In an effort to avoid such a frantic finale, Mullins hopes to set his stall out a little earlier this coming season.
While the jumping year centres around the Cheltenham and Aintree showpieces, there are several significant prizes on offer before spring rolls around, including:
Betfair Chase
- Date – 22nd November
- Previous Mullins-trained Winners – None
- 2024/25 First Place Prize Money – £116,849.41
We probably shouldn’t read much into the fact that Mullins has never won this Haydock highlight. After all, he has tried only once. That first venture didn’t quite go to plan, with Capodanno pulled up in the 2025 edition. From a raft of potential challengers, Grand National hero Nick Rockett stands out as a likely sort to make his seasonal return in Merseyside mud.
Betfair Tingle Creek Chase
- Date – 6th December
- Previous Mullins-trained Winners – Un De Sceaux (2016)
- 2024/25 First Place Prize Money – £101,421.25
With only one previous win, Mullins tends to leave the British trainers to fight it out for this two-mile prize at Sandown. However, having slammed Jonbon at this track in the Celebration Chase, Il Etait Temps looks tailor-made for the challenge.
Ladbrokes King George VI Chase
- Date – 26th December
- Previous Mullins-trained Winners – Florida Pearl (2001), Tornado Flyer
- 2024/25 First Place Prize Money – £148,098.47
Around this time last year, Gaelic Warrior came in for strong support in the King George market, only to remain at two miles until the latter half of the campaign. Since stepping up to staying trips in the spring, he has bagged the Grade 1 Aintree Bowl and Grade 2 Oaksey Chase. The Rich Ricci runner currently heads the betting for Kempton’s Festive feature and may be joined by stablemates Fact To File and Champ Kiely.
BetMGM Clarence House Chase
- Date – 17th January
- Previous Mullins-trained Winners – Un De Sceaux (2016, 2017, 2018)
- 2024/25 First Place Prize Money – £98,472.50
Responsible for the only three-time winner in Clarence House history, Mullins has failed to add to Un De Sceaux’s brilliant treble. Having finished second in 2022 and 2024 and third in 2025, Energumene may be granted another crack at the prize.
Fitzdares Fleur de Lys Chase
- Date – 18th January
- Previous Mullins-trained Winners – None
- 2024/25 First Place Prize Money – £86,341.20
One of the big highlights since jumping returned to Windsor, this 2m6f event takes pride of place at the Winter Million Meeting. The Simon Munir and Isaac Soude duo of Impaire Et Passe and El Fabiolo are just two of several potential Mullins’ challengers.
Betfair Ascot Chase
- Date – 14th February
- Previous Mullins-trained Winners – None
- 2024/25 First Place Prize Money – £100,131.50
Another race that has so far eluded Mullins, albeit from relatively few attempts. Five-time Grade 1 winner Impaire Et Passe looks the most obvious challenger over this 2m5f trip. Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior are other options, while two-miles stars Energumene and Majborough could be ready for this step up in trip.
If Mullins lands his share of the above events, he may have one hand on the trophy before the 2026 Cheltenham Festival begins in earnest.
