‘Visibly shocked’ Willie Mullins lost for words as Ruby Walsh presents ‘Manager of the Year’ award

5 days ago 12

WILLIE MULLINS was left ‘visibly shocked’ as he won a Manager of the Year award – and was presented it by Ruby Walsh.

The legendary racehorse trainer appeared briefly lost for words after winning the top gong at Ireland’s RTE Awards on Sunday night.

Willie Mullins holding the RTÉ Sport Manager of the Year 2024 award.

Mullins, 68, was crowned champion trainer in Britain and Ireland last season.

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He was the first man to do so since Vincent O’Brien in 1954 and his amazing season saw him win the Gold Cup and Grand National en route to pocketing millions in prize money.

It looks like he will take some stopping this season too, with his squad of Galacticos already dominating the Cheltenham ante-post markets.

Mullins’ awesome accomplishments were recognised in the wider sporting picture at the bash.

But it was clear from his reaction – with the official RTE account saying he was ‘visibly shocked’ – that he never expected to win, especially up against the likes of Ireland rugby boss Andy Farrell and former Chelsea and Fulham star and current Shelbourne manager Damien Duff.

Accepting his award from Walsh, his former jockey who is now a close confidante at his Closutton yard, Mullins said: “I’m totally surprised.

“When I saw the other managers I was up against and what they’ve done…”

Grinning, and turning to Walsh, Mullins added: “Paul (Townend) saw you getting up on the podium and he gave me a kick – but I didn’t know what he was kicking me about, I had my back to you!”

Punters were glad to see a true icon of the sport recognised at a time when it’s coming under intense scrutiny.

One summed up Mullins’ achievements well when they wrote: “The best there ever was, the best there is and the best the ever will be.”

While another wrote on X: “Fully deserved, what he has achieved is nothing short of incredible.”

If history is anything to go by then Mullins will be posing for photos with a lot more trophies over the coming days.

Two of his biggest stable stars – Fact To File and Galopin Des Champs – look set to slug it out once more in what looks a cracking Savills Chase at Leopardstown on December 28.

While Lossiemouth, the current favourite for the Champion Hurdle, is set to take on Constitution Hill – and Burdett Road – in a mouthwatering Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day.