'We'll have to have a go. We'll see you at Ayr, Perth, and as many meetings here between now and Sandown'

It was a whirlwind, an absolute rollercoaster. We'll be back next year and we'll certainly go for it again
After losing out on the last day at Sandown last year, Dan Skelton vows to challenge for the trainers' title once more

'Are you daring me?' - Willie Mullins vows to defend his title with gusto as Sandown salutes a true champion 

I feel like it's possible, and I think if we lost it this year I'd feel very differently. Last year I knew in my heart how hard it was going to be to resist Willie. If we got beat this year I think it would feel like we'd lost
Dan Skelton speaking in the Racing Post's Big Read in February when he was more than £2 million clear of Willie Mullins

'I knew how hard it was going to be to resist Willie last season - but if we get beat this year it will feel very different' 

I thought our challenge was over, even if we did win the National as we needed a one, two, three and to get a good chunk of money out of it, but we did. We'll have to have a go. We'll see you at Ayr, Perth, and as many meetings here between now and Sandown
Willie Mullins reignites the title race with a total domination of the Grand National

Willie Mullins lays down title gauntlet: 'We'll see you at Ayr, Perth, and as many meetings here between now and Sandown' 

We're improving but so is he. He's got all those horses and I was watching them jump the last in the National and all five were his. What can you say – that's just where he is at the moment. The bar from him is so high, it's hard to beat
Dan Skelton is left feeling helpless after watching Willie Mullins saddle five of the first seven home in the Grand National

Willie Mullins lays down title gauntlet: 'We'll see you at Ayr, Perth, and as many meetings here between now and Sandown'  

Paul Nicholls (right) with his protege Dan SkeltonCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Of course I feel sorry for Dan because no one could have dreamed what happened on Saturday. If Dan doesn't win it I'll feel for him, but he'll put his hand on that trophy one day, I know he will
Paul Nicholls shares his view after Dan Skelton's lead was whittled down to less than £125,000 following Aintree

Paul Nicholls: 'If Dan doesn't win the title I'll feel for him, but he'll put his hand on that trophy one day' 

I thought the game was up and it was going to be tough to come back unless we won everything between now and Sandown. But we’re back in the game now. You could see me anywhere now. We’re going to give it our best shot
A crucial win in the Scottish Grand National puts Willie Mullins on the front foot

'When you’re riding for Willie it’s easy, isn’t it?' - perfect spare for ice-cool Cobden as Captain Cody leads home Mullins one-two 

We're loving it. Whether we win or lose, we're unbelievably proud of the team. The level of interest in the title race is good for racing. We're chipping away but we know what's to come and know the force Willie and his team have got
Harry Skelton rides a winner as part of his brother's across-the-card four-timer on Easter Monday

Dan Skelton restores £50,000 lead over Willie Mullins with across-the-card four-timer 

It's tough for Dan because people were calling him the champion all year and he's done everything right. It will come down to Sandown on Saturday. I think the title is still up for grabs – it’s never that simple.
Willie Mullins is not counting any chickens as he declares a huge battalion for the Sandown finale

'It's still up for grabs' - Dan Skelton hanging on in there as Willie Mullins prepares strong squad for Sandown season finale 

Read more on the trainers' title race:

Tale of the season: Willie Mullins looks set to get up on the line after coming with another perfectly timed run

Trainers' championship showdown: a race-by-race guide to Sandown's epic title conclusion between Dan Skelton and Willie Mullins 

'I know exactly what he’s going through' - the inside track on the title contenders by those who know them best 

This is not the first time the trainers' title battle has gone down to the wire - and this one is better-tempered than some 

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