I Am Maximus wins Grand National for trainer Mullins

I Am Maximus wins Grand National for trainer Mullins

Jockey Paul Townend secured his second Grand National victory with I Am Maximus, the horse that broke the 47-year gap since Red Rum’s last triumph in 1977. Trainer Willie Mullins achieved a historic milestone by winning the race for the third time in a row, joining an elite group that includes Vincent O’Brien’s three-year streak from 1953 to 1955. The 2024 winner and previous year’s runner-up entered the competition as a 9-2 favorite, and this year’s performance confirmed their status as the top contender.

JP McManus now holds the record for the most Grand National victories as an owner, with four wins under his belt—Don’t Push It (2010), Minella Times (2021), and I Am Maximus (2024). His stable also dominated the top four finishers, with only Jordans missing out. I Am Maximus’s success was compounded by their handicap of 11st 12lbs, making them the first top-weight to claim the title since Red Rum’s 12-stone win in 1974.

The race saw several dramatic moments, including a fall by last year’s winning jockey Patrick Mullins, who was thrown from Grangeclare West at the second fence. Panic Attack, the only mare in the field, also collapsed at the third obstacle. Ben Jones made a late surge on Jordans, a 28-1 outsider, but Townend’s strategy of staying close to the leading pack allowed I Am Maximus to deliver the decisive finish.

Trainer Dan Skelton added to the day’s excitement by securing wins in four of Aintree’s seven races, featuring Mirabad, Bossman Jack, Mr Hope Street, and Forthfactor. Meanwhile, Get On George, a six-year-old, was euthanized after being pulled up in the second race, marking the second fatality at this year’s event. Quai de Bourbon and Mr Vango were also removed from the track following falls, with Robbie Dunne receiving medical attention after a tumble on Stellar Story.

Reactions and Reflections

Paul Townend described riding I Am Maximus as an honor, praising the horse’s resilience and determination. “He’s a powerhouse with an incredible stamina, capable of pushing through to the finish line no matter the challenge,” Townend said on ITV. “Even though Grangeclare West and Nick Rockett looked strong in training, I knew this horse was ready to shine.”

Mullins shared his pride in the achievement, crediting McManus’s decision to run I Am Maximus at Aintree. “JP made the right call,” Mullins told ITV. “I’d have taken him down the Gold Cup route, but he insisted on the National. This is the race we all dream of, and to be part of it is unforgettable.”

With the 2024 Grand National concluded, attention now turns to future prospects. Mullins, having trained the top three finishers from last year, remains a strong favorite for the 2026 edition, though their focus on the National has already proven rewarding this year.