National party shows no sign of ending for jubilant Mullins

HISTORY REPEATED: Ruby and Ted Walsh, the father and son pair who won the Grand National with Papillon a quarter of a century ago, with Patrick and Willie Mullins who emulated the feat with Nick Rockett at Aintree last weekend.  Picture: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho

Willie Mullins was still in dreamland over that emotional day when the "stars aligned", as his Grand National champion Nick Rockett received a hero's reception during his homecoming parade through the village of Leighlinbridge on Wednesday.

It may have been the third time the master of Closutton has conquered Aintree, but given Nick Rockett was partnered by his amateur son Patrick, it was a victory all the more special and all the more emotional for one of racing's most decorated names.