In the 1990s, British greyhound trainer Linda Mullins dominated the country's racetracks with her remarkable dogs. She achieved victories in nearly all the major races, with the notable exception of the Derby. Often referred to as the "First Lady" of the racing world, Linda made history as the first female trainer to win the Greyhound Trainer of the Year title—an achievement she accomplished five consecutive times.
Family
Linda's passion for greyhound racing was inspired by her older sister, Jeanne Chapelle, who successfully trained dogs at the Oxford stadium during the 1960s. This familial influence led Linda to start her own training career at Eastbach Kennels in Gloucestershire.
Linda eventually met her future husband, Patrick Mullins, commonly known as Pat, who owned the Manningtree greyhound kennel in Essex and was an accomplished trainer himself. The couple quickly discovered their shared interests and values regarding life and family, forging a strong bond that led them to live together and have four sons.
According to their children, the family enjoyed a joyful and lively childhood. Both parents were deeply involved in greyhound racing, and the kids were often present, travelling extensively and engaging in various activities. This environment likely inspired three of the four children to pursue careers as greyhound trainers.
In 1977 and 1978, Pat Mullins' dog, Paradise Spectre, clinched victory in the prestigious Grand Prix at Walthamstow, marking a significant achievement for the entire family. However, the real breakthrough came in 1978 when their greyhound, Lacca Champion, won the English Greyhound Derby — a monumental success for Pat as a trainer. Linda, reflecting on the Derby she never won, credits Pat for that victory. Yet, Irishman John Coleman, chairman of the Professional Trainers Association and a friend of Pat, recalls Pat often saying that while he held the licence, it was Linda who trained the Derby winner.
In 1979, Mullins' greyhound Greenville Boy triumphed in the Scottish Derby at Shawfield, and Sampsons Pal secured the Grade 1 Pall Mall Stakes at Oxford that same year. The following year, the Mullins-bred greyhound Sport Promoter won both the Grand Prix and the Grade 1 Gold Collar, leading to Pat being named Trainer of the Year, while Sport Promoter earned the title of Greyhound of the Year. This year marked a high point for the family, and they looked forward to many more successes together.
Tragically, in 1981, while working in his kennel, Pat Mullins suffered a sudden acute vascular incident that led to his untimely death. This loss deeply affected the entire family, as they mourned the absence of a beloved husband, father, mentor, and leader. Pat had set a high standard for the family's racing legacy, leaving behind a successful kennel and a lasting impact on the racing community.
In the wake of her husband’s passing, Linda faced the daunting responsibility of continuing his legacy. With four sons who were proud of their father, she was determined to fight for her family and her own identity. Linda was resolute in proving her worth to the world and showing her children that they could take pride in their mother.
Her youngest son, Ricky Mullins, recalls Linda's determination after their father's death. She spoke of working at top racecourses like Walthamstow, aspiring to become a champion trainer and win the country's most prestigious races. And she fulfilled that vision. Rather than allowing her husband's death to defeat her, Linda emerged stronger, raising four remarkable sons, with John, David, and Kelly following in their parents' footsteps as greyhound trainers.
Career
Linda emerged from her husband's shadow to forge her own path in the world of greyhound racing, starting as a dog handler at Wembley Stadium, the oldest in the country. With experience under her belt, she transitioned to a role as a dog trainer at the Cambridge Stadium.
Her first major victory came in 1984 when she won the prestigious Laurels at Wimbledon Stadium with her dog Amenhotep (7/1), who triumphed over two favoured competitors, thanks in part to the luck of the sixth trap.
By then, Linda had relocated to Crayford, marking a significant milestone in her training career. This victory ignited her passion and solidified her reputation as a respected figure in the industry.
Linda's next major achievement was clinching the Grand National title in 1990, a feat she would replicate in 1998 and 1999 with her dogs El Tenor and Hello Buttons. During the 1999 Grand National, a memorable moment occurred when Hello Buttons and her son's dog, Pottos Storm, finished in a dead heat, highlighting the family’s shared success and deepening Linda's joy.
In 1996, she celebrated her second Laurels victory and was recognized as the top greyhound trainer based on points, a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unwavering ambition—qualities that fuelled her career.
From then until her retirement in 2000, Linda consistently ranked as Britain’s leading trainer, competing at the premier racecourse, Walthamstow, and clinching nearly every major open race title in the country. She achieved milestones that few could match, becoming the first female trainer to secure 100 open race wins in a single season, and in 1993, she surpassed 200 wins in a season. By her retirement year, she had set a remarkable record with nearly 350 victories.
Her retirement from the sport was both beautiful and memorable. Linda always credited her success to teamwork, expressing gratitude towards her husband, her fate, and her four sons and assistants who continue the family legacy. Fondly remembered as a warm and gracious woman with impeccable manners and a confident voice, she broke into a male-dominated field and demonstrated how to achieve greatness.