I Am Maximus wins Grand National for trainer Mullins

I Am Maximus wins Grand National for trainer Mullins

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 Aintree trophy since Red Rum in 1977. Trainer Willie Mullins celebrated his third consecutive victory in the race, a feat unmatched since Vincent O’Brien’s three-year streak from 1953 to 1955. The 2024 winner, who finished as runner-up the previous year, entered the event as the 9-2 favorite and delivered on that expectation, outpacing Iroko, Jordans, and Johnnywho.

McManus, the owner of I Am Maximus, now holds the record for the most Grand National victories in history with four wins. His stable also claimed three of the top four positions in Saturday’s race, with Jordans being the sole exception. This achievement solidifies his dominance in the event, while Mullins’ success underscores his strategic prowess in the world’s most prestigious steeplechase. I Am Maximus, carrying a handicap of 11st 12lbs, made history by becoming the first top-weight contender to win since Red Rum’s 12-stone triumph in 1974.

“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,” said Paul Townend. “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 race began dramatically, with last year’s winning jockey on Nick Rockett, Patrick Mullins, unseated on Grangeclare West at the second fence. Meanwhile, the second favorite, Panic Attack, the only mare in the field, fell at the third obstacle. Ben Jones made a late surge on Jordans, a 28-1 outsider, but Townend maintained his position in the leading pack, ultimately surging ahead to clinch victory.

Among the 34 starters, sixteen completed the race. Quai de Bourbon and Mr Vango were stretchered to an ambulance after falling, while Robbie Dunne required hospital evaluation following a tumble on Stellar Story. Elsewhere, Dan Skelton claimed four of the day’s seven races, including wins for Mirabad, Bossman Jack, Mr Hope Street, and Forthfactor.

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Mullins, who trained the top three finishers in last year’s race, had every reason to believe in his chances for a repeat performance. However, McManus’s decision to run I Am Maximus at Aintree instead of the Gold Cup was pivotal. “It was a good call from JP [McManus],” Mullins remarked to ITV. “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.”