Festival’s top trainer Mullins in Hall of Fame

» WILLIE Mullins, the most successful trainer of all time at The Festival, has been inducted into the Hall of Fame at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Five times he has topped the standings at the track’s most prestigious meeting and now he takes his place among some of the all-time greats of the sport.

The museum features the likes of the Queen Mother, the late ‘voice of racing’ Sir Peter O’sullevan, threetime Gold Cup winner Best Mate and Mullins’ jockey Ruby Walsh.

Gloucestershire connections include trainer Jonjo O’neill, who won the 1986 Gold Cup on Dawn Run and the rider associated with many of his horses, retired 20 times champion Sir AP Mccoy.

Laurina’s success in the 2018 Trull House Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle made him the top trainer ever at The Festival.

The up and coming star provided him with a 61st victory. His first came through Tourist Attraction in the 1995 Champion Bumper.

Mullins said: “Cheltenham has been a special place for me over the years and I feel privileged to join some of jump racing’s most famous names.”

Mullins initially assisted his father Paddy, widely regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest trainers and then became assistant to top Flat trainer Jim Bolger before taking out his own licence in 1988.

His Festival winners have included Florida Pearl, in the 1997 Weatherbys Champion Bumper and the 1998 RSA Novices’ Chase; dual Unibet Champion Hurdle victor Hurricane Fly, plus 2015 and 2016 Unibet Champion Hurdlers Faugheen and Annie Power.