I Am Maximus wins Grand National for trainer Mullins

I Am Maximus wins Grand National for trainer Mullins

Race Highlights

Paul Townend secured his second Grand National triumph aboard I Am Maximus, marking a historic moment as the horse became the first to reclaim the prestigious title since Red Rum’s 1977 win. Trainer Willie Mullins celebrated his third consecutive victory in the Aintree race, a feat unmatched since Vincent O’Brien’s three-year run from 1953 to 1955. The 2024 winner and previous year’s runner-up entered the race as the 9-2 favorite, ultimately finishing ahead of Iroko, Jordans, and Johnnywho.

Historical Significance

This triumph marks Mullins’ fourth overall victory in the Grand National, cementing his status as a dominant force in the race’s history. Owner JP McManus now leads the tally of race winners, with his stable claiming four victories—Don’t Push It in 2010, Minella Times in 2021, and I Am Maximus in 2024. Notably, I Am Maximus carried a handicap of 11st 12lbs, making him the first top weight to secure the title since Red Rum’s 12-stone victory in 1974.

Race Drama

The race unfolded with tension as last year’s winning jockey on Nick Rockett, Patrick Mullins, was thrown from Grangeclare West at the second fence. Meanwhile, the second favorite, Panic Attack, fell at the third obstacle. Ben Jones made a late surge on Jordans, a 28-1 outsider, but Townend maintained a steady pace on I Am Maximus, delivering a decisive burst to claim the lead.

“He’s tough. He’s a really, really good horse, and although Grangeclare West and Nick Rockett looked good in training, this lad wasn’t telling me not to ride him. He is so good and has such an engine. He will gallop to the end of the world for you. I am really privileged. What a horse. Grand Nationals and Gold Cups are the pinnacle of the sport and I have them both.”

Other Notable Performances

Trainer Dan Skelton achieved success in four of the day’s seven races at Aintree, with Mirabad, Bossman Jack, Mr Hope Street, and Forthfactor all crossing the finish line in victory. Meanwhile, the tragic incident of Get On George, who was pulled up in the second race and later euthanized, added a somber note to the event. The six-year-old horse was quickly dismounted by Jack Tudor, with veterinary experts confirming the decision was humane.

Race Context

With the top three finishers from the 2024 race trained by Mullins, the trainer was optimistic about his chances. However, McManus’ influence on the horse’s selection was pivotal. Mullins shared his thoughts with ITV: “It was a good call from JP [McManus]. I’d have gone down the Gold Cup route with him, but he wanted to run him at Aintree. This horse is just a superstar. Nothing fazes him and he does what he has to do—runs, jumps and wins Nationals. Paul executed it so well. This is the race we all aspire to when we get into racing. Just to have a runner is a tremendous sensation.”

Sixteen of the 34 starters completed the race, while Quai de Bourbon and Mr Vango were taken to the ambulance following falls. Jockey Robbie Dunne also required hospital assessment after a tumble on Stellar Story. The Grand National 2026 result will see I Am Maximus as the two-time winner, sparking widespread reactions from the racing community.