Top Irish trainer Willie Mullins has made the Grand National his own in recent years – winning the last two runnings of the world-famous Aintree race.
But as he goes in search of a third straight win – we look back to see who the last trainer was to win the Grand National three years in-a-row.
Willie Mullins Eyes Famous Hat-Trick Of Grand National Wins Since 2024
You have to go back to 2005 to find the first Willie Mullins Grand National winner, which was the Trevor Hemmings-owned Hedgehunter.
He had to wait 19 years to get his next – I Am Maximus for JP McManus in 2024, but with another win in 2025 (Nick Rockett) there was no similar delay for his next.
All this means Mr Mullins has won the Grand National THREE times in his career.
But is also means, having won the last two renewals – he’s on a famous three-timer.
And with a stack of chances that include his former winners Nick Rockett, I Am Maximus and last year’s third Grangeclare West – it will be a brave punter that says Mullins won’t be winning the 2026 Grand National.
But which trainer was the last to land three Grand Nationals on the spin?
Andy Newton answers this question below.
Willie Mullins Grand National Winners 🏆
- 2005 – Hedgehunter (Ruby Walsh)
- 2024 – I Am Maximus (Paul Townend)
- 2025 – Nick Rockett (Patrick Mullins)
WATCH: Hedgehunter Giving Willie Mullins His First Grand National Win in 2025
Who Was The Last Trainer To Win The Three Grand National THREE Years In-a-Row?
In recent times, trainer Gordon Elliott won the Grand National two years on the bounce in 2018 and 2019 with Tiger Roll.
However, he failed to land the three-timer in 2021 (next time the race was run due Covid cancellation in 2020).
We’ve also seen two wins for Lucinda Russell (2023 and 2017), but not in consecutive seasons.
Ginger McCain famously trained Red Rum for three wins between 1973 and 1977 too, while Fred Winter trained the 1965 (Jay Trump) and 1966 (Anglo) winners.
However, the last trainer to win the Grand National three years on the bounce was VINCENT O’BRIEN.
O’Brien mopped up his trio of Merseyside Marathon wins in 1953, 1954 and 1955.
The 8yold Early Mist was his first in 1953, winning at 20/1 for jockey Joe Griffin.
Griffin did the business a year later for Vincent O’Brien on Royal Tan in 1954 at 8/1.
While his third National win in as many years was the Pat Taaffe-ridden Quare Times in 1955 – returning at 100/7 – about 14/1
Vincent O’Brien Won The Grand National Three Times
Vincent O’Brien Grand National Winners 🏆
- 1953 – EARLY MIST
- 1954 – ROYAL TAN
- 1955 – QUARE TIMES
Vincent O’Brien had never won the race prior to these three wins – and failed to win the Grand National after.
Meaning these were his only three successes in the race.
But, despite this, Vincent O’Brien still remains the last trainer to win the Grand National in three consecutive seasons.
Can Willie Mullins emulate his fellow Irish handler in 2026?
WATCH: Quare Times Winning The 1955 Grand National For Vincent O’Brien
