Grand National successful jockey Patrick Mullins hit with suspension over breaking whip guidelines throughout victorious Aintree experience

Grand National winning jockey Patrick Mullins will serve an eight-day suspension after breaking whip rules in Saturday’s race.

Mullins enjoyed the greatest moment of his career as a jockey when he won the iconic race at Aintree on Saturday while on board Nick Rockett after a thrilling contest.

Mullins had to edge out the challenge of I Am Maximus, last year’s winner, to triumph, with both horses trained by Patrick’s father Willie Mullins.

The amateur jockey, however, was found to have used his whip one above the permitted level of seven from the final fence.

The Whip Review Committee has ruled Mullins must now serve an eight day suspension.

‘Taking into account that this was a Class 1 race, the penalty in respect of the above permitted level was doubled,’ the committee said.

Grand National winner Patrick Mullins has been banned for eight days after breaking whip rules

Mullins won the iconic race on board Nick Rockett at Aintree on Saturday afternoon

Mullins was found to have used the whip one more time than allowed from the final fence

‘He will be suspended for 8 days as follows Wednesday 23 and Friday 25 April, Friday 02, Wednesday 07, Saturday 10, Wednesday 14, Friday 16 and Tuesday 20 May 2025.’

Patrick’s victory was a particularly special one for him and Willie, with the latter left in tears in the aftermath of the race.

Patrick – who has also seen cousins David and Emmet enjoy success in the Grand National as a jockey and trainer respectively – has not received a single penny from his success.

Those who win the Grand National receive around 8 per cent of the prize money pot, a figure that usually comes in at about the £40,000 mark, while those who place receive approximately half of that.

Patrick’s status as an amateur jockey means he doesn’t receive a fee for riding and therefore is not remunerated despite his incredible success at the weekend.

This comes even though it is usual practice for amateur jockeys, who can compete across jump and flat racing, to race against professionals.

Meanwhile, speaking at the weekend after victory, Patrick opened up on his feelings.

Patrick’s father Willie, who trained Nick Rockett, was left in tears following his son’s triumph

Patrick did not receive any prize money following the win due to being an amateur jockey

‘I had too good a start and was having to take him back all the way,’ he said. ‘I was wondering at the Canal Turn had I lost too much ground, but he just jumped fantastic.

‘Then I was there too soon and it is a long way from the back of the last with Paul (Townend) on my outside.

‘It’s everything I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid. I know it’s a cliche, but when I was five or six years old, I was reading books about the National and watching black and white videos of Red Rum. To put my name there is very special.’