Paddy Mullins Passes Away

On Tuesday morning, 26 October 2010, the horse racing industry, family and friends mourned the passing of the great Paddy Mullins. He was known for his wonderful training abilities and his warm personality at the track, and after fifty-two years in the racing industry not one bad word can be spoken of the man who trained, loved and participated in the horse racing industry. His passion for horse racing infected his entire family, who are still involved in horse racing and will continue to honor his memory and the legacy he left behind.

Paddy Mullins trained both flat and jumping horses. Over the years he had built up the reputation of being one of the best in the industry. He enjoyed his very first victory in the year 1953 at Punchestown during the La Touche Memorial Cup with a horse named Flash Parade. Over the years he has been associated with champions such as Vintage Tipple (Irish Oaks 2003), Hurry Harriet (Champion Stakes 1973), Nearly a Moose (2003 Galway Plate), Herrings Gull (Royal SunAlliance 1968) and Dawn Run. Dawn Run is probably one of his most memorable horses, as she is still the only horse on record to have the Gold Cup in 1986 and the Champion Hurdle in 1984, which are races hosted by the Cheltenham Festival. His one son, Tony Mullins, who is now a successful trainer himself, used to ride Dawn Run for his father during his years as a jockey. Mullins’ two other sons, Willie Mullins and Tom Mullins, also followed in their father’s footsteps and are respected horse trainers.

Tony Mullins, speaking to the press, expressed his family’s great respect for their father, commenting: “Everyone knows he was a great trainer, but he was an even greater family man.” He went on to say that his father had taught him and his brothers all they know, and that he was in great health until the last couple of days. Tony added: “He was certainly the greatest family man I ever knew and we all stayed around him and trained within five miles of home. The family has always been very unified and he kept it that way all his life.” Paddy Mullins passed away peacefully at the age of 91.