KCLR News: Willie and Jackie Mullins on a Cheltenham Festival to remember (19th March 2026)

There was a carnival atmosphere in Leighlinbridge yesterday as the town welcomed home trainer Willie Mullins, wife Jackie and his Closutton team, including his top jockey Paul Townend, who has now saddled a record breaking five Cheltenham Gold Cup winners. Willie, who is the most successful trainer in Cheltenham history with an incredible 121 winners, won his fifth Gold Cup last week with Gaelic Warrior, while he also tasted victory in both the Champion Hurdle with Lossiemouth and the Queen Mother Champion Chase with Il Était Temps, all superbly brought home by Paul Townend. Our own Dermot Keyes joined the happy throng who welcomed the Mullins team and their three victorious steeds to Leighlinbridge, where he spoke to both Willie and Jackie.