The Business & Finance Awards, in association with KPMG, have announced that champion trainer Willie Mullins will receive the 2024 Outstanding Contribution to Ireland Award.
This prestigious accolade will be presented at the 50th annual Business & Finance Leadership Awards, held in Dublin on Thursday, 5th December 2024.
In accepting this award, Willie Mullins follows in the footsteps of sporting greats and past recipients, including Brian O’Driscoll, Katie Taylor, Rachael Blackmore and champion flat trainer Aidan O’Brien.
On announcing Mr Mullins as the 2024 recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Ireland Award, Ian Hyland, Publisher of Business & Finance said: “In recognising Willie Mullins with the Outstanding Contribution to Ireland Award, we celebrate not only his remarkable achievements but also his enduring impact on the cultural and sporting fabric of Ireland. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence at the highest level.” The 50th Annual Business & Finance Awards will mark the 60th anniversary of the Business & Finance brand. The event will be held at the Convention Centre, Dublin, and will be attended by over 1,000 international business, political, and social leaders.
Willie Mullins, a native of County Carlow, has carved an illustrious career spanning over four decades, marked by extraordinary accomplishments and a profound influence on the sport. His achievements have established him as a trailblazer in the world of horse racing, most notably reaching 100 winners at the Cheltenham Festival in March of this year.
Mullins’ journey began at a young age under the tutelage of his father, Paddy Mullins, who was also a renowned figure in Irish racing. Mullins’ innate talent and relentless work ethic propelled him to the top of the sport, where he has dominated national hunt racing, in addition to enjoying some illustrious flat success at the Melbourne Cup and Royal Ascot.
Among his many accolades, Mullins has secured an astounding number of victories at prestigious events such as the Cheltenham Festival, where his record-breaking performances have earned him widespread acclaim. His training expertise extends beyond individual victories, as he has nurtured numerous champions who continue to make headlines on the global stage.
In this racing season, Willie Mullins’ record haul of victories has included an unprecedented clean sweep of the eight Grade 1s at the Dublin Racing Festival, featuring the Irish Gold Cup, Irish Champion Hurdle and Dublin Chase. In April 2024, Mullins became the first Irish trainer since Vincent O’Brien 70 years ago to win the British jumps championship, thanks largely to a string of top-level wins at the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals.
Furthermore, Mullins’ contributions extend beyond the racetrack. He has been a vocal advocate for the welfare of horses and has played a pivotal role in promoting the sport’s integrity and sustainability. His leadership and commitment to excellence have inspired generations of aspiring trainers and enthusiasts alike.
Nominations
Nominations for the Business & Finance Awards are now open. For more information, see the Business & Finance Awards website.
For information on partnering with this year’s Awards, please contact brian.kearns@businessandfinance.com