Racing in mourning as Maureen Mullins, mother of Willie, passes away aged 94

Known by many as the mother of Irish racing having brought up racing royalty in sons Willie, Tom, Tony and George as well as daughter Sandra, Maureen was an ever-present at race tracks around the country.

She lived a rich life while she rarely missed a Cheltenham Festival as she followed the fortunes of her sons and grandchildren while regularly celebrating their many successes in the parade ring afterwards.

Married to Paddy for 56 years before his passing at the age of 91 in 2010, she had been a successful point-to-point rider before her marriage and rode one winner from her sole ride on the track.

That came aboard Razzo Forte when beating her daughter Sandra at Gowran Park in 1982 in a race for wives and daughters of trainers while she was also an owner/breeder of some renown.

Today's Sport News in 90 Seconds - 14th February

She has left a legacy that few will ever come close to matching with the Mullins name known and respected worldwide while great pride, in particular, was taken in the success of her grandsons.

Patrick (son of Willie) is a record-breaking amateur rider, Danny (son of Tony) is a multiple Grade One winner in the saddle, while David (son of Tom) retired in recent years, having ridden Rule The World to Aintree Grand National success in 2016.

Charlie (younger brother of David) is an amateur rider on the up, while Emmet (son of George) was an accomplished jockey before taking all before him as a trainer – most recently winning the 2022 Aintree National via Noble Yeats.

The Mullins racing tradition looks set to be carried on for generations to come but Maureen was the pillar behind this great family and she will be sadly missed by those who knew her. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.