Sandown Tips: Willie Mullins Set To Retain Trainers Championship?

Willie Mullins became the first Irish trainer in 70 years to win the British trainers championship last season and a fruitful day at Sandown Park on Saturday will clinch back-to-back titles for the Closutton maestro.

The final day of the 2024/25 jumps season takes place at Sandown Park this weekend and all sports betting eyes will be on the Willie Mullins runners as he looks to retain the British trainers title.

At the time of writing, he is just £24,562 behind leader Dan Skelton but he has a strong book of declarations heading to Esher for Saturday’s card – which is due to attract enormous interest from both sides of the Irish Sea.

Our horse racing tipster has looked at every race at Sandown on Saturday, previewing what is set to be one of the most exciting racedays of the campaign outside of the big spring festivals.

British Trainers Championship Standings

As per 10am on 24th April, Dan Skelton has a slender lead and he will be hoping to increase his advantage ahead of what could be a dramatic day at Sandown on Saturday.

You can see the exact figures below:

• Dan Skelton – £3,307,616
• Willie Mullins – £3,283,054

British Trainers Championship Odds

• Willie Mullins – 1/10
• Dan Skelton – 6/1

There is a sense of inevitability going into this weekend’s racing that the Irishman is set to retain the British trainers title, emulating the great Vincent O’Brien.

There will be a huge Irish presence at the track on Saturday to see if Willie Mullins can rewrite the history books once again.

Willie Mullins Declared Runners At Sandown

2.25pm – Grade 2 Oaksey Chase: Appreciate It, Classic Getaway, Gaelic Warrior, Gentleman De Mee

3.00pm – Grade 2 Select Hurdle: Kitzbuhel

3.35pm – Grade 1 Celebration Chase: Energumene, Il Etait Temps

4.10pm – Bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase: Grangeclare West, Minella Cocooner, Dancing City, High Class Hero, Lombron, Olympic Man, O’Moore Park, Spanish Harlem, Chosen Witness, Klarc Kent

4.45pm – Bet365 Handicap Hurdle: Bunting, King Alexander, Dr Eggman, Jump Allen

*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at time of writing*