Patrick Mullins, an amateur jockey who also works as an assistant trainer at his father Willie Mullins' stable and a racing journalist for publications including the Racing Post, secured the win on Nick Rockett. According to Daily Mirror - Main, Patrick Mullins described the victory as a lifetime achievement. However, due to his amateur status, he did not receive any prize money from the win, a departure from the norm where professional jockeys typically receive about 8% of the prize money, which would be roughly £40,000 for a Grand National winner.
Nick Rockett was pulled out of the 2026 Grand National on Thursday after a disrupted campaign and a disappointing comeback run last month, finishing third in a four-horse contest. Tom Bellamy had been lined up to ride Nick Rockett in the 2026 Grand National before the horse's withdrawal. Historically, Grand National winners with minimal preparation are rare; the last such winner with only one prep run before the race was Aldaniti in 1981.
It's rare that the reality is better than the dream, but it was - it was the day of a lifetime.
According to Daily Mirror - Main, Patrick Mullins described the decision to switch horses as difficult, noting this historical context. It is unknown how much prize money other amateur jockeys have historically received for winning major races or whether Patrick Mullins receives compensation through his roles as an assistant trainer or journalist to offset the lack of prize money. The exact riding fee structures for amateur versus professional jockeys in the Grand National also remain unspecified.
It was a very difficult decision but we're told the last winner with only one prep run was Aldaniti in 1981.
Willie was keen this morning for me to ride Grangeclare West so after talking with [Nick Rockett's owner] Stewart Andrew, who very kindly freed me up, the decision was made for me to ride Grangeclare West. I hope it's the right one.