I Am Maximus wins Grand National for trainer Mullins
Jockey’s Pride
Paul Townend, the jockey, secured his second triumph in the Grand National aboard I Am Maximus. The 2024 victor and previous year’s runner-up confirmed his favoritism by overtaking rivals in the final stretch, including Iroko, Jordans, and Johnnywho. This achievement marked a historic moment, as I Am Maximus became the first horse since Red Rum’s 1977 win to reclaim the iconic race. Trainer Willie Mullins, celebrating his third consecutive victory at Aintree, now holds the distinction of being the first trainer to achieve this feat since Vincent O’Brien’s streak from 1953 to 1955.
Aintree’s Legacy
Mullins’ success extended his legacy, with the 2024 result adding to his previous triumphs. The victory also solidified JP McManus as the leading owner in the race’s history, now with four titles—three of which were achieved under Mullins’ guidance. McManus’ stable included three of the top four finishers, with Jordans being the sole exception. Notably, I Am Maximus made history as the first top-weight contender to win since Red Rum’s 1974 victory under a heavier load.
Racing Drama
The race was filled with suspense, as last year’s jockey on Nick Rockett, Patrick Mullins, fell during the second fence. Meanwhile, the only mare in the field, Panic Attack, stumbled at the third obstacle. Despite the early setbacks, Townend maintained his composure, maneuvering I Am Maximus through the leading pack and launching a decisive final burst. Sixteen of the 34 starters completed the course, though several horses faced challenges, including Quai de Bourbon and Mr Vango, who were stretchered to an ambulance. Robbie Dunne also required hospital assessment after a fall on Stellar Story.
Trainer’s Triumph
Beyond the Grand National, Dan Skelton celebrated multiple victories across Aintree’s schedule, claiming four of the day’s seven races with Mirabad, Bossman Jack, Mr Hope Street, and Forthfactor. In the second race, Get On George was pulled up by Jack Tudor and later euthanized, making it the second fatality of the day.
Reflections on Victory
Willie Mullins, reflecting on the win, praised McManus’ decision to run I Am Maximus at Aintree.
“It was a good call from JP. 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,”
Mullins remarked. Townend echoed the sentiment, stating,
“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.”
The jockey emphasized the significance of the Grand National and Gold Cups as the ultimate goals in the sport.
Grand National 2026 Result
The 2026 Grand National result saw I Am Maximus crowned as a two-time winner, sparking reactions from fans and participants. With Mullins having trained the top three finishers in 2025, his chances were bolstered. Yet, the owner’s support was crucial, steering the “superstar” horse toward Aintree instead of the Gold Cup. As Mullins noted, “This is the race we all aspire to when we get into racing. Just to have a runner is a tremendous sensation.” The 2024 victory marked a pivotal chapter in the horse’s career and the trainer’s storied history.
