Rising Stars in the Saddle: New Horse Trainers Shaping British Racing

Image source: Freepik

A new generation of horse trainers is making waves across the British racing scene, bringing fresh perspectives, bold ambition, and revitalized energy to one of the UK’s most storied sports. With a mix of heritage, innovation, and a deep understanding of equine management, these emerging trainers are not only competing with the established elite but are also beginning to redefine success within the sport.

Among the most talked-about new names is Jack Channon, who officially took over the license from his father, Mick Channon, in 2022. Having worked closely with his father for over a decade, Jack’s seamless transition and immediate success have caught the attention of owners and punters alike. If there was anything I could bank on it was wolfwinner online pokies australia. His patient training style and sharp eye for placing horses in the right races have paid off, with winners at Newmarket, Doncaster, and York adding weight to his growing reputation.

Another standout is George Boughey, a young trainer whose meteoric rise has made him one of the most exciting figures in the sport. After gaining experience with Hugo Palmer and on the international circuit in Australia, Boughey struck out on his own in 2019. By 2021, he had already saddled over 50 winners and landed his first Group 1 success with Cachet in the 2022 1,000 Guineas. His combination of youthful ambition, strong communication with owners, and a meticulous approach to conditioning have cemented him as a force to be reckoned with.

Another fresh face making a serious impression is Ben Brookhouse, son of National Hunt stalwart Dr. Richard Newland. Though from a jumping background, Brookhouse has turned heads on the Flat with his early results. Backed by both family knowledge and new-age enthusiasm, he has set up a dual-purpose yard that emphasizes versatility and modern training methods.

What sets these new trainers apart is not just their hunger to succeed, but also their adaptability. In a sport that is both traditional and constantly evolving, these rising stars are embracing data analytics, modern veterinary practices, and digital communication tools to give their horses every competitive edge. Social media has also become an effective platform for younger trainers to promote their stables and connect with a broader audience, including a younger fanbase.

Despite operating in a highly competitive environment, many of these trainers stress the importance of collaboration and learning. Whether it’s sharing gallops, staff, or simply advice, there is a noticeable sense of community among the newcomers that contrasts with the more siloed approaches of past decades.

As British horse racing continues to grapple with issues such as declining attendance, increased international competition, and regulatory pressures, the arrival of these fresh-thinking trainers offers a hopeful glimpse into the sport’s future. With talent, passion, and professionalism in abundance, the next chapter of British racing looks set to be shaped by a new and dynamic generation of horsemen and women.

Photo: Freepik

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Horse Trainers With Very Outdated Websites Or None At All

Everything happens for a reason, or so they say.

As I continue updating the Horse Trainer Directory—specifically the Flat Trainers’ website links—I'm struck by how many trainers either have outdated websites or none at all. Working through my list of over 200 trainers, it's surprising to see such a wide gap in digital presence among professionals competing for business.

To be fair, a quality website with all the bells and whistles from an SEO company is a significant investment. Flashy websites like Roger Varian’s must cost upwards of £5,000, and when you add social media management across platforms, the expense can be daunting.

I won’t name names, but some trainers’ websites look like they were built 20 years ago. I can relate—I’m sure people visiting my platform might think the same! This project is a labor of love, and I simply don’t have the budget to spend thousands on it.

Interestingly, none of the trainers featured on my website pay a fee, and only a handful have ever even said thank you. Once, Rose Dobbin messaged to ask if there was a cost for adding her website and social media. It made me smile because she took the time to ask. I replied, “It’s all free!”—and it truly is, for every trainer, no matter their size.

Over the years, it’s been rewarding to see our site feature in search engines and send visitors to trainers of all levels. I’ve always had a soft spot for helping the smaller stables. Whether right or wrong, I’ll always root for the underdog.

Moments like Pam Sly’s incredible 2006 win with Speciosa in the 1000 Guineas make it all worthwhile. Seeing a smaller trainer soar with a superstar horse is what keeps me going. Pam doesn't have a website. 

Victory

If any trainers need help with websites, social media, or SEO, I know just the person—a great friend who can help them shine online.

Keep those horses galloping fast. 

Earth Summit - The Ultimate Grand National Mudlark

Do you remember Earth Summit?  

I doubt I would have thought too much about this thoroughbred horse if it wasn't for writing more articles for my brother's website (www.grandnationalwinners.co.uk). It puts a few quid in my pocket and it gives me a chance to remember a few old warriors. 

Anyone who loves their Grand Nationals, is likely to remember Earth Summit. Trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies in the ownership of The Summit Partnership. This son of Celtic Cone out of the mare Win Hill Green was a mudlark. As they say in horse racing vernacular 'he liked to get his toe in'. To be honest, this bay gelding didn't need Wellington boots. I remember someone saying a horse that goes well on testing ground has hooves the size of dinner plates. I'm not sure if Earth Summit was nicknamed Big Foot but we can all agree he liked to get stuck in. If there was ever a winner akin to joka room online casino bonuses it was the mighty Summit. He was a warrior of the turf if not the bog.

When you talk about Grand Nationals it's a challenging race. A true test of stamina. Some horses run down hills fast, some run up them slower but never stop. They finish the race covered in mud. 

That's my definition of a mudlark: A horse that finishes a race looking a slubby mess. Two white eyes, nostrils flared with more steam than the Flying Scotsman. 

The jockey shoveling on the coal. A couple of logs at the ready when they see a giant fence looming large. 

Earth Summit fell once in his career. Some said he did it just to get closer to the mud. 

His splattered silks had little colour left to see. The cheering crowd knew who they were looking at!

There have been many great horses win the Aintree Grand National. The greatest of them all needs little introduction. 

[Red Rum: 19734, 1974 & 1977]

Earth Summit won the Aintree Grand National in 1998. 

It was the cherry on the cake for this ten-year-old. That day, he won at the odds of 7/1. Soft ground must have terrified most of the opposition. Not Earth Summit. This was his day and bar Suny Bay endeavouring to chase him home, the rest of the runners were a distance behind. Only six of the thirty-seven completed the course. If there was a mountain to climb, Earth Summit was the horse holding his hoof up wanting to have first go. 

If he knew the answer to one question it was how to get out of a muddy hole.

The interesting point about Earth Summit is the fact most people don't remember how good he was. And they don't remember his greatest achievements which, in my opinion, makes him the Greatest National horse of them all. 

He did something that even Red Rum couldn't achieve. 

Earth Summit won all three Nationals: English, Scottish, Welsh.  

Just think about that for a moment. No other horse has won 3 Nationals. 

That's why Aintree was the icing on the cake. 

1994 Scottish Grand National - The six-year-old was given a brilliant ride from David Bridgwater. He was virtually forgotten on the day starting at odds of 16/1. He quickened clear to win by 14-lengths. 

1997 Welsh Grand National - The nine-year-old loved the heavy going, ridden by Tom Jenks. The 25/1 winner held the late charge from Dom Samarai by just under 2-lengths. 

Earth Summit was one of the men against the boys, and the boys were tough. He ran in 6 Nationals from 1994 - 1999. In fact, he ran his last race in the Welsh National. 

He was retired in 2000. 

Earth Summit passed away in 2005 at the age of 17.  

Horse Trainer Website Vanished

It shouldn't come as much of a surprise. 

As I continue to update the Flat horse trainer blogs I've notice a few anomalies. To be fair, horse trainer blog and news pages are notorious for disappearing, updated five years back or domains curled up and died. 

Anyway, I have been updating the list from A - Z. 

I don't think there are any trainers with a surname beginning with Z. 

Wait a minute, what about that new trainer Eric Zoopla!

However, he doesn't exist. I can't find his website anywhere. Perhaps I was mistaken. So back to the horse trainers and their websites. Now, I don't want to be one of these website shamers because there may be many and varied reasons why a trainer does or doesn't have a website (or a blog or news page). I understand it. Perhaps a website isn't at the top of your list. The rich list have the money, the glamour, the horses to put on a show. While others don't have much to sing and dance about. It's a strange thing why some very high-profile trainers don't bother with a website. 

It is also quite surprising that others have given up the ghost on their domain. Whether it just slipped off the radar or was given up as a bad job. 

And then you get a few trainers (and I won't point them out) their website looks like it was build at the dawn of the dotcom bubble and sadly it burst. I'm not sure which platform some of these are on but they look as old as the hills. Scarily old. Perhaps they don't have the money to update or can't be bothered. However, when you consider it may be the first and last thing a prospective horse owner may see I can't imagine the conversion rate is very high. 

In fact, it probably does their business more damage than not.

I'd love to give a few examples of websites which fall flat but its not about picking on people. 

I'm continuing to update the Flat horse trainer blogs. I must apologise for snail-like progress. 

Slowly, but surely, it will get there. 

If I have one message for horse trainers big and small, make sure your website looks like it was made this century. 

Who are the Best Flat Racing Trainers in Ireland?

Irish trainers have solidified their global reputation by claiming victory in numerous prestigious races over recent years. Their impressive achievements include the Melbourne Cup, Cox Plate, Ascot Gold Cup, Epsom Derby, Breeders' Cup Turf, Hong Kong Vase, Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and many others. This wealth of talent fuels intense competition in the domestic flat racing scene, keeping Ireland’s top trainers at the peak of their game.

Here are Ireland's leading flat racing trainers today:

Aidan O’Brien 

The Ballydoyle maestro has loomed large over the Irish flat racing scene for many years. He initially made his name as a National Hunt trainer, saddling his first winner – Wandering Thoughts at Tralee – on the day his licence began. O’Brien was Ireland’s champion National Hunt trainer for five consecutive seasons in the 1990s, and he found fame when his star hurdler – Istabraq – won three consecutive Champion Hurdles at Cheltenham. 

He took over the Ballydoyle stables from the retiring Vincent O’Brien (no relation) in 1996, and he landed his first Group 1 success when Desert King won the National Stakes that year. The same horse won the Irish 2000 Guineas and the Irish Derby in 1997, giving O’Brien his first taste of Classic success.

O’Brien won his first flat Irish champion trainer title in 1997. Dermot Weld finished ahead of him the following year, but O’Brien reclaimed the title in 1999 and he has won it every year since. During more than two decades of domestic dominance, he has claimed 14 Irish Derby victories, 10 Irish 1,000 Guineas wins, 11 Irish 2,000 Guineas triumphs and more than 350 Group 1 wins. 

He has also been crowned British champion trainer on six occasions, most recently in 2017, despite spending most of his time in Ireland. O’Brien has accumulated 39 Classic triumphs in Britain, including a record eight wins in the Derby at Epsom. He has also won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe twice, the Cox Plate in Australia, three Hong Kong Vases, the Dubai Sheema Classic and six Breeders’ Cup Turf titles. His most famous runners include Galileo, Hawk Wing, Yeats and Rip Van Winkle. 

Joseph O’Brien 

O’Brien Jr. has already emerged as the greatest threat to his father’s dominance. He has finished second in the race to be crowned champion trainer in each of the past four years, despite only starting out in 2016. 

The former Irish champion jockey announced himself to the world when he won the Melbourne Cup with Rekindling in 2017. That victory was notable, as Aidan O’Brien has never won the race that stops a nation, and his star stayer – Johannes Vermeer – finished runner-up to Rekindling, while Willie Mullins’ Max Dynamite was third in a famous Irish 1-2-3.

Joseph O’Brien clinched his second Melbourne Cup triumph in 2020, when Twilight Payment stormed to victory. Once again, his father had to settle for second place, as Tiger Moth could not catch Twilight Payment down the straight. 

If you are looking for Irish racing tips, it is likely that you will find plenty of runners from O’Brien Sr. and O’Brien Jr. in the mix. Joseph O’Brien has also won big races in Britain, France and the United States, and he is still just 29 years of age, so the future looks bright. His younger brother, Donnacha, is also starting to make waves, cementing the O’Brien dynasty. 

Dermot Weld 

Weld set a record for the most winners trained in Ireland in August 2000, when he landed his 2,578th winner. He has continued to add to that tally ever since, and he is still going strong at the ripe old age of 73.

He was the country’s leading amateur rider on three occasions before becoming a trainer, and he is also a qualified vet. In 1993, Weld became the first European trainer to win the Melbourne Cup when Vintage Crop saluted. He has multiple winners at Royal Ascot under his belt, and he has also trained National Hunt winners at Cheltenham. 

Weld, who was played by Brendan Gleeson in The Cup, secured his first Classic win all the way back in 1981, and he is still rattling off major victories, including the Breeders’ Cup Turf in 2020. 

Ger Lyons 

Lyons grew up in Co. Kildare – the thoroughbred county of Ireland. He spent four years as a National Hunt jockey in England, but he became a trainer after a nasty fall at Newcastle in 1989. Lyons’ first victory came at Navan in 1994, when Maelalong emerged victorious. 

By the end of 2018, had reached the milestone of 800 winners. He smashed through the 1,000 wins barrier in August 2021. He has been one of Ireland’s most consistent trainers over the past two decades, and he has frequently been crowned the Irish All Weather Champion Trainer of the Year. He is currently fourth in the battle to win the 2022 Irish champion trainer crown, with a stronger win percentage than both Aiden and Joseph O’Brien. 

Jessica Harrington

Harrington is primarily a National Hunt specialist, but she has also enjoyed considerable success in flat racing. She earned more prize money than Lyons and Weld in 2020 and 2021, and she consistently ranks among the top five flat jockeys in the country. 

She has more than 80 horses in training at her yard, and some of her greatest successes have come via Jumbajukiba. Harrington is now 75 years of age, and she has won it all over jumps, but she shows no signs of slowing down. Her main ambition now is to emerge as one of Ireland’s strongest trainers on the flat. 

“In terms of ambition I want to win more classic races and races abroad. There are a lot of things on the hit-list I haven’t done yet,” said Harrington. “I’d like a Breeders’ Cup winner. I’d like to win big races in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, all sorts of places. I’ve got some very nice flat horses now, with proper pedigrees. They are very exciting.”

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution but given

Horse Trainers who like to bet on their Horses

You're not the only one who likes a bet.  

Horse trainers hold invaluable insights when it comes to betting – after all, who better to know the score than those closest to the horses themselves? Legendary trainer Barry Hills was once hailed as the “King of the Coups,” with newspapers famously remarking that he had won so much from bookmakers that it was a wonder he didn’t name one of his five sons “William.”

Among his sons, Charles continues the family tradition, now training at Wetherdown House Stables in Lambourn, while his late son John also enjoyed a successful career in training until his passing in 2014. Barry Hills built his career on high-stakes bets, notably funding his training dreams with the winnings from the 1968 Lincoln Handicap, where his horse Frankincense turned long odds of 66/1 into life-changing success.

The payout £64,000, which in today's money is well over £1.5M. 

It was the beginning of a very long list of winners which saw him get his trainer's licence in 1969 and retire in 2011. 

He trained over 3,000 winners including four Classics in Great Britain: 1000 Guineas - Enstone Park (1978), Ghanaati (2009) & 2000 Guineas: Tap On Wood (1979), Haafd (2004).  

I wonder if Mr. Hills debated which bookies were best for his horse racing bets. If you want to know more about that intel about the best horse racing betting sites, just click right here because it's important to know what you are looking for when you have a flutter online.  

Not bad going for the son of a head lad, who paved the way for future generations of horse trainers.

In these times, horse trainers are probably a little more secretive about telling a soul of their plans to land a big punt. However, you can guarantee that a lot of horse trainers pride themselves on making the bookmakers pay. In fact, a number sell tips to horse tipster platforms for extra cash. I'm sure they don't detail the best chances (but that's just my opinion). 

When you think about the perfect person to give you a tip, it should be the trainer of the beast.

Horse trainers are in that privileged position. They should know whether Pegasus, entered to run at 2:00 Great Yarmouth, has been catching pigeons at home on the gallops. 

As a follower of two-year-old horse racing, it's my job to know everything about this niche. 

Now, I don't know for sure which horse trainers like a gamble, but I certainly have my own opinions about which ones like to have a bet and those that may well frighten most bookies to death. 

My assessment of which trainers like to gamble comes from observing major gambles that have won and those who are canny devils with a glint in their eyes. 

Here are my top 3 horse trainers who like to bet on their horses.

David Evans - 

The Welsh Wizard. Based at Ty-Derlwyn Farm, Pandy, Abergavenny. There are many canny horse trainers but, for me, Evans is in a class of his own. Whether he has a debutante at Chepstow, a handicapper at Haydock or a hot shot running at Royal Ascot he is a man to follow when the money is down. Trust me, he makes most trainers look like Micky Mouse. I've seen some major gambles on the stables two-year-olds and although not all of then find the winner's enclosure a good number do. 

For example, who will forget the debut of two-year-old Choux at Thirsk (15th May)? This daughter of Exceed And Excel was backed from 40/1 - returning at odds of 100/30. She won in a breeze. I don't know for sure whether it was the owners Chris Kiely Racing Ltd & Partner who lumped on but I can't imagine Mr Evans not enjoying a slice of the pie, if not the cherry on the top.

Gambling score: 5/5 

I must admit, I don't know much about horse trainers from across the globe like Australia, New Zealand, France, South Africa and of course the famous Kentucky Derby in the United States but I do know a few more British horse trainers who it pays to follow with cold, hard cash.  

Here's to my next intriguing horse trainer who may or may not like a bet. 

David Simcock - 

Based at Trillium Place Stables, Birdcage Walk, Newmarket, Suffolk. An excellent horse trainer who always likes to run his best two-year-olds at headquarters [Newmarket]. Now, I can only surmise whether this stable likes a punt but I have one very good piece of data which suggests to me this is a stable where winners are backed to short odds. Sounds intriguing, hey. I will tell you this little gem of wisdom which I have researched. The stable two-year-olds on their second start can be very hard to beat. But here's the real peace of info you need to know. For the last umpteen years, he has never had a juvenile win on it's second start at odds greater than 13/2. That's not the exact price because I'm not giving that info away for free. But I will tell you this. ''If you bet on one of his horses at big odds, you'll be unlikely to win any wonga.''

If you want to know about all UK horse trainers big and small then you won't find them any faster than clicking this mobile-optimised site, as you don't want to forget knowledge is power. And winning is all about knowing who is hot property when they have a bet. 

Gambling score 4/5

My third and last horse trainer to follow when the money comes is another high-profile handler and a lovely man. 

Clive Cox - 

Based at Beechdown Stables, Sheepdrove Road, Lambourn, Berkshire. A horse trainer who knows his horse. Once again, I have no idea whether Mr. Cox likes a punt and simply extrapolate my wisdom from what I have learned from his two-year-old horses. I must say that when his two-year-old debutantes start favourite they are very hard to stop from winning. Mostly, they are the best juveniles in the stable. You really can't go wrong following the money with this outfit. 

Gambling score 4/5 

Photo: JC 2024

5 Leading Irish Horse Trainers Worth a Bet

Irish horse racing has always been about more than raw talent. It’s about judgement. Timing. Patience. The quiet confidence that comes from doing things the right way, year after year. For punters, understanding trainers is often more important than understanding horses. Patterns repeat. Habits reveal themselves. And value appears when you know where to look — especially in a landscape where modern betting tools, offers, and Free Bets in Ireland sit alongside centuries-old racing instincts.

Here are five leading Irish horse trainers worth a bet, not just because they win, but because of how and when they do it.

1. Aidan O’Brien – Precision, Not Just Power

Aidan O’Brien is the obvious name, and that’s precisely why he’s often misunderstood.

Yes, he trains champions. Yes, he dominates the Classics. But the real betting insight lies in placement, not reputation. O’Brien rarely wastes a run. Horses are entered with intent, even when they’re not fully wound up. When the market drifts but the race conditions suit perfectly, that’s often when Ballydoyle strikes.

Novel pointer: watch second-string runners at unfashionable tracks. They’re rarely accidental.

2. Willie Mullins – Master of the Big Picture

Willie Mullins is synonymous with National Hunt excellence, but betting him blindly is a mistake.

The true edge comes from understanding his targets. Mullins trains with seasons in mind, not weeks. Horses can look ordinary until suddenly everything aligns — trip, ground, jockey, and timing.

His novices, in particular, are worth close attention when stepping up in class after an educational run. Mullins doesn’t rush them. When they peak, they peak hard.

Novel pointer: don’t fear long absences — Mullins excels with fresh horses.

3. Dermot Weld – Timing Over Volume

Dermot Weld is not about numbers. He’s about moments.

His runners are carefully chosen, sparingly campaigned, and often underestimated in the market. Weld has long mastered the art of bringing a horse to peak fitness exactly when it matters, whether at the Curragh, Royal Ascot, or abroad.

When a Weld horse appears in a race it seems “too good” for on paper, pay attention. He rarely misplaces one.

Novel pointer: Weld’s runners after a quiet spell are often primed, not cold.

4. Gordon Elliott – Controlled Aggression

Gordon Elliott trains winners everywhere. Big meetings. Small tracks. Midweek cards. That breadth can overwhelm casual punters, but for the informed bettor, it’s an opportunity.

Elliott is exceptional at finding the right race for the right horse. His handicap entries are often more revealing than his Grade 1 runners. A subtle drop in class or a switch in jockey can signal intent.

He’s also fearless. When he thinks a horse is well-handicapped, he runs it.

Novel pointer: track Elliott horses returning to favoured venues — memory matters.

5. Joseph O’Brien – Intelligence in Motion

Joseph O’Brien has quietly become one of the most adaptable trainers in Ireland.

Equally effective on the Flat and over jumps, his strength lies in flexibility. He’s willing to experiment, to travel, to try unconventional routes. Horses improve under him because he listens to them.

For bettors, this means opportunity. Markets don’t always keep up with his thinking. When a Joseph O’Brien horse steps into a race slightly “off narrative,” it’s often because a new angle is being tested.

Novel pointer: improvement often comes at the second attempt over a new trip or discipline.

Why Trainers Matter More Than Ever

In an era of speed figures, sectional times, and endless data, it’s easy to forget that racing is still human.

Trainers decide when a horse runs. Where it runs. And why. Understanding those decisions — rather than just the form — is where betting moves from guessing to insight.

Irish trainers, in particular, operate within a culture that values patience and purpose. When they strike, it’s rarely by accident.

For those willing to look beyond headlines and into habits, these five trainers don’t just win races.

They tell stories. And for the bettor who listens closely, those stories are often worth a bet.

Horse Trainer Directory

Welcome to the Horse Trainer Directory

“Why listen to whispers when you can hear it straight from the horse’s mouth?”

Your ultimate destination for everything equine! Here, you'll find a detailed, up-to-date directory of horse trainer Websites, Blogs, X, and Facebook, Instagram & YouTube for both National Hunt and Flat racing. 

Use our ‘Quick Buttons’ to instantly access the latest news and updates—all from reliable sources.

Since going live, we’re thrilled with the positive feedback from trainers, journalists, racing enthusiasts, and welfare groups, all united by their passion for the equestrian world.

Our directory shines for its ease of navigation. With just three simple ‘Quick Buttons,’ you can explore hundreds of resources for both racing codes. If you have a few moments spare then take a look at online casino corner for the ultimate online casino experience.Our newest feature, the ‘Track’ tool, gives you easy access to every racecourse website and social media pages, so you’ll always stay updated on racing events, promotions, and news.

Become part of our community by sharing links to your equine-related sites at no cost. Help us promote racing welfare by highlighting your favorite charities, their initiatives, appeals, and achievements. Plus, we offer fantastic advertising options, from prominent full-page ads to discreet text links.

Stop scouring the web—Horse Trainer Directory is your all-in-one resource for staying in the know. With regular updates, we’ll keep you on track because we’re committed to going the extra furlong.

“Looking for a trainer nearby? Find them here with ease!”

Directory Of Horse Trainers

So why is this Directory of Horse Trainers better than most?  

I often check to see where Horse Trainer Directory features in the Google searches. Sometime it's at the top of the tree positioned number 1 or a featured snippet. Other times it is so far down the search I wonder why I bother to waste my time. 

However, we have to remain positive and if something can be done to amend such bias then I'll crank out another article to fill the void. 

Searching for Directory Of Horse Trainers, this website seems halfway down page one. I saw it and felt slightly irritated. So here I am writing a post to target that exact search term and I will see if I can appear higher in the rankings.

I'm probably one of few people who write a post half complaining about the situation to usurp the competition. If I need motivation to write something then it makes sense to me to detail my complaint or annoyance to hit the highs. 

I searched for the term: Directory of horse trainer websites and we are number 1. 

I think Google hates Blogger. Considering it owns the platform you'd think they'd give you a leg up rather than a kick in the guts but I think they are interested in the latter. 

Are we heading for the disaster of Google+ which was wiped out a few years back because the powers that be realised it was a dead duck. Like most of these ridiculous Google updates which seem manufactured to destroy people's websites. 

I will probably be targeted like a page or two of George Orwell's 1984 by Big Brother. I always wonder what big sister looks like? 

Anyway, I've written this 2-minute hate to stroll up the search engine for the term: Directory of Horse Trainers. 

It's nothing to do with keyword stuffing. 

I'll be checking to see if I'm at the top of the tree. 

We live in hope. 

Big up the Blogger. 

Willie Mullins Terrible Aintree Grand National Record

My brother has a new website called Grand National Winners (.co.uk). 

Well, I've been writing original articles rather than using AI, which to be fair doesn't seem to know much at all unless it is prompted to the point of almost writing the article yourself. Anyway, I've written about 20 articles with many up to 1000 words. I don't mind writing so its not too much of a chore. 

However, I happened to be researching the performance of Willie Mullins Aintree Grand National runners since his first which dated back to 2000. It wasn't a labour of love, more like finding myself halfway down a very long road and thinking when will this end... 

I didn't quite realise how many horses the Carlow trainer had sent to the most famous steeplechase of them all. By the time I'd finished the article I felt like I'd ridden one of his National runners, which fell at The Chair. 

At points I was almost asleep in the chair.

The things you do to put a few quid in your pocket. 

To be fair, by the time I had finished, I felt like I needed a cup of tea in my big horse racing mug.  

I shouldn't complain, hey. Even horse trainers such as Mr Mullins started somewhere working for his father, Paddy. 

Anyway, I was shocked how many horses he had sent to the Aintree Grand National. If my research is correct, he's sent 63 runners to Aintree from 2000 - 2024. For all you anoraks out there, his first runner was Micko's Dream a 14/1 shot ridden by Jason Titley who fell at the first fence. After looking at his Aintree Grand National record it may have been an omen for future years. 

Willie Mullins is a fantastic trainer, which is seen with 17 Irish champion trainer titles, the leading trainer at the Cheltenham Festival with over 100 winners, and putting the cherry on the horse racing cake he was crowned British jump racing trainer' championship in 2023-24. 

Exceptional. 

The last Irish trainer to do this was Vincent O'Brien some 70 years ago (1952-53). 

I don't think Willie Mullins will detail the Aintree Grand National as his blue ribbon event. In fact, his performance has been pretty dire with just two winners from sixty-three horses and just eight from sixty-three win and place. A percentage rate of just 3% and 13% respectively. 

Willie Mullins Aintree Grand National Winners: 

2005 Hedgehunter 7/1, ridden by Ruby Walsh. A very popular win for owner Trevor Hemmings. 

2024 I Am Maximus 7/1jf, ridden by Paul Townend for J.P.McManus. 

2025 Nick Rockett 33/1 

Willie Mullins Aintree Grand National Place: 

2006 - Hedgehunter 2nd 5/1jf

2008 - Snowy Morning 3rd 16/1  

2018 - Pleasant Company 2nd 25/1 

2019 - Rathvinden 3rd 8/1 

2021 - Burrows Saint 4th 9/1

2023 - Gaillard Du Mesnil 3rd 10/1 

2025 - I Am Maximus 2nd 7/1 & Grangeclare West 33/1 3rd  In 2024 he sent 7 horses to compete, which was a fair proportion of the field considering only 32 took part. 

In 2025 Willie Mullins thought back from umpteen poor runnings taking 1st (33/1), 2nd (7/1) & 3rd (33/1) in an impressive display. He fielded 6 runners.     

It will be interesting to see how he fairs in 2026.

Flat Horse Trainer Instagram Pages (Completed)

Another day another drachma. As the quote goes: Alles hat ein Ende, nur die Wurst hat zwei. Translated for those of the non German persuasion. 'Everything has an end, only a sausage has two.'  

Anyway, I'm pleased to say the Flat Horse Trainer Instagram Links have been complete. All these things take time, but we're getting there. This is the first time we had anything to do with Instagram. If you are feeling adventurous, take a look.

Next on tell list will be Flat Horse Trainer YouTube links, which will be groundbreaking for Horse Trainer Directory. 

It will see the conclusion to the Flat trainer website and social media updates. 

I will check through my Horses In Training book just to note a few of the smaller stables which may slip through the net. I will check the status of a few trainers with regard to Flat, National Hunt or Dual Purpose. It isn't always so clear although I know 95% are correct. Anyway, I hope a few readers are noticing Horse Trainer Directory. 

The website is doing a little better in the search engines and the traffic is increasing. 

Be good to get the whole site completed.