Willie Mullins breaks Dan Skelton’s heart again to win second straight British jumps trainer title

WILLIE MULLINS has broken Dan Skelton’s heart AGAIN – and sealed a second British jumps trainer title after an irresistable end-of-season blitz.

The unstoppable Irish handler, who bagged a 1-2-3 in the Grand National and 1-2 in the Scottish Grand National en route to victory, scooped the prize on the final day of the season at Sandown.

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Willie Mullins won the trainers title at Sandown Park for a second year running[/caption]

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Mullins saw Il Etait Temps win the Bet365 Celebration Chase to give him a major lead[/caption]

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Rival trainer Dan Skelton had held a huge lead before Cheltenham[/caption]

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Mullins’ son Patrick’s unforgettable Grand National win on 33-1 Nick Rockett put the legendary trainer on the path to another British jumps trainer title victory[/caption]

Skelton had a narrow lead in prize money for the title at the start of play today.

But Mullins took first blood and narrowed the gap to just £2,635 as Gaelic Warrior ran home first during the 2.25pm race.

Another win for Mullins at 3pm with Blueking D’Oroux saw him then move ahead by £2,709 with three races to go.

And Mullins then took a decisive £116,407 lead after Il Etait Temps claimed victory during the 3.35pm Bet365 Celebration Chase.

Mullins confirmed his title in the 4.10pm Gold Cup despite seeing Resplendent Grey win the race as runner High Class Hero finished third.

The Sandown showing completed a remarkable turnaround for Mullins with Skelton was £2,265,421 and 58 places ahead prior to Cheltenham.

It caps yet another unbelievable year for Cheltenham Festival king Mullins – and more misery for Skelton.

The Warwickshire-based trainer, whose brother Harry rides all his best horses, gave everything in his bid to keep his rival at bay.

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But Mullins possesses a simply frightening strength in depth at his Closutton HQ.

He shipped over a whole load of Grade 1-winning superstars – and didn’t even need to declare the brilliant Lossiemouth.

It looks like next week’s Punchestown Festival will be up next for her, where she is set to complete a Mullins squad featuring the likes of Galopin Des Champs, Kopek Des Bordes and State Man.

British trainers might feel like waving the white flag altogether, knowing Mullins’ true top talent is staying at home.

That’s not to say they didn’t help him win though, mopping up the top races at Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals over the past two months.

Mullins made history when winning the title in 2024.

He became the first Irish-based handler since Vincent O’Brien 70 years earlier to be crowned king.

And the truth is it will take a monumental effort from the likes of Skelton, Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson to stop him again next year.