Willie Mullins, one of the most decorated and influential trainers in National Hunt racing, continues to dominate the Cheltenham Festival and the broader jumps racing circuit. As of 2025, his estimated earnings since 2020 stand at a staggering €27.5million, making him one of the most successful trainers in horse racing history. With his unparalleled record at Cheltenham and ongoing success in both Britain and Ireland, Mullins remains a formidable force in the sport.
Early Life and Family Legacy in Racing
Born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, Willie Mullins grew up surrounded by racing excellence. The Mullins family has long been associated with horse racing, and Willie’s success is a continuation of a rich legacy. His father, Paddy Mullins, was an iconic trainer who secured four Irish Grand National victories and six Cheltenham Festival wins.
Willie Mullins is also the brother of Tony and Tom Mullins, both well-known trainers in their own right. His extended family includes some of the most recognizable names in racing. Danny Mullins, his nephew and son of Tony and Mags Mullins, made waves in 2021 by winning the Stayers’ Hurdle aboard Flooring Porter. Another of Mullins’ nephews, Emmet Mullins, made history in 2022 by training Grand National winner Noble Yeats.
Despite his legendary status, 2024 was a year of personal loss for Mullins, as his mother, Maureen Mullins, passed away at the age of 94. Maureen was a well-respected figure in racing and played an influential role in the family’s success.
Cheltenham Festival Dominance & Career Earnings
Mullins’ career at the Cheltenham Festival is nothing short of historic. Having trained his first Festival winner in 1995, he has gone on to achieve over 100 wins at the event, surpassing any other trainer in history. His ability to prepare horses for the biggest races has been a key factor in his financial success.
Prize Money & Career Earnings
- Since 2020, Mullins has accumulated an estimated €27.5 million in prize money.
- His British earnings for the 2024 season exceeded €3 million, making him the first Irish trainer to be crowned British Champion Trainer since 1954.
- In Ireland, Mullins dominated with €7 million in winnings, securing his champion trainer status at home.
- As of 2025, he has already earned €3.8 million in prize money, leading rival Gordon Elliott by nearly €700,000.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup, one of the most prestigious races in the sport, has been won by Mullins-trained horses four times, adding to his extraordinary Festival achievements. His earnings at Cheltenham alone stand at nearly €18 million.
Net Worth & Financial Influence
While Mullins’ exact net worth remains undisclosed, his earnings from prize money alone indicate a multi-million euro fortune. In addition to race winnings, he earns significant sums from:
- Training Fees: Owners pay substantial amounts to have their horses trained at his world-class Closutton Stables.
- Sponsorships & Endorsements: As one of the most successful trainers in the world, Mullins attracts sponsorship deals from leading industry brands.
- Breeding & Bloodstock Sales: Many of his successful racehorses become valuable stallions, further contributing to his financial empire.
The Closutton Powerhouse: A Training Empire
Based in Closutton, County Carlow, Mullins’ stables are a state-of-the-art training facility, widely considered one of the best in the world. His ability to train champion horses consistently has drawn elite owners to his yard, including:
- Rich Ricci, one of the most high-profile racehorse owners.
- JP McManus, one of the wealthiest figures in horse racing.
- The Donnelly Family, owners of multiple Grade 1 winners.
Closutton is home to many of the sport’s top horses, ensuring that Mullins’ dominance continues for years to come.
Cheltenham Festival 2025: Key Contenders
With Cheltenham 2025 in full swing, Mullins once again leads the charge with a powerful team of contenders.
Majborough – The Arkle Trophy Favorite
The five-year-old gelding Majborough is one of Mullins’ leading hopes on Day 1 of the Festival. Having won the 2024 JCB Triumph Hurdle, Majborough has adapted brilliantly to fences, winning the Goffs Irish Arkle impressively. His biggest competitor, Sir Gino, has been ruled out due to a ligament infection, leaving Dan Skelton’s L’Eau du Sud as his main challenger.
Galopin Des Champs – The Cheltenham Gold Cup Star
The star of the Mullins stable, Galopin Des Champs, returns to defend his Cheltenham Gold Cup title for a third consecutive year. The nine-year-old gelding recently secured his third Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival, and enters Cheltenham as the clear favorite. His dominance has made him one of the most exciting horses in modern racing.
Patrick Mullins: The Record-Breaking Jockey & Son
Willie Mullins’ son, Patrick Mullins, has established himself as one of the greatest amateur jockeys of all time. He was in the saddle when his father secured his 100th Cheltenham Festival win in 2024, a defining moment for the family.
Patrick is a 15-time Champion Amateur Jockey, a record-breaking achievement that reflects his skill and dedication to the sport. His continued success ensures that the Mullins dynasty remains at the forefront of horse racing.
Why Willie Mullins Remains the Greatest Trainer in National Hunt Racing
Unrivaled Record at Cheltenham
Mullins has transformed the Cheltenham Festival, raising the bar for what is possible in National Hunt racing. His ability to consistently produce winners has set him apart from his rivals.
Superior Training & Strategy
His meticulous approach to training, race placement, and horse development has allowed him to maintain dominance over rivals such as Nicky Henderson, Paul Nicholls, and Gordon Elliott.
A Legacy Cemented
Few trainers have had such a profound impact on the sport. From his early days training winners in Ireland to becoming the most successful Cheltenham Festival trainer of all time, Willie Mullins has left a lasting legacy.
Final Thoughts
Willie Mullins continues to rewrite the record books, with no signs of slowing down. His ability to produce winners, attract elite owners, and train the finest National Hunt horses in the world makes him a legend in the sport.
With Majborough, Galopin Des Champs, and an arsenal of top contenders at Cheltenham 2025, Mullins is set to extend his legacy even further. His net worth, estimated career earnings of over €27.5 million, and dominance at the Cheltenham Festival solidify his status as the greatest National Hunt trainer of all time.
