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Willie Mullins became the first trainer based in Ireland to be crowned champion over jumps in Britain since Vincent O'Brien 70 years ago when El Fabiolo finished second in the Celebration Chase on the final day of the season at Sandown on Saturday.

Despite being more than £700,000 behind Dan Skelton at the top of the standings heading into the Aintree festival earlier this month, Mullins moved into striking distance when I Am Maximus won the Grand National, then all but sealed a first title in Britain when Macdermott won the Scottish Grand National, the highlight of a 4,462-1 four-timer at Ayr seven days ago.

Mullins led Skelton by £181,632 at the start of Sandown's end-of-season finale but took nothing for granted with eight runners, including heavyweights El Fabiolo and Impaire Et Passe, entered in six of the seven races.