I Am Maximus wins Grand National for trainer Mullins

I Am Maximus Wins Grand National for Trainer Mullins

Paul Townend secured his second triumph in the Grand National aboard I Am Maximus, a horse that made history by becoming the first to reclaim the prestigious race since Red Rum in 1977. This victory marked Willie Mullins’ third consecutive win at Aintree, solidifying his position as a dominant force in the event. The 2024 champion and last year’s runner-up entered the race as the 9-2 favorite, ultimately outpacing Iroko, Jordans, and Johnnywho to claim the top spot.

The triumph also added to JP McManus’ legacy as the most successful owner in the Grand National’s history, with his stable boasting four victories—Don’t Push It in 2010, Minella Times in 2021, and I Am Maximus in 2024. Remarkably, three of the top four finishers in Saturday’s race were from his stable, with only Jordans not under his ownership. I Am Maximus’ achievement extended beyond the victory, as he became the first horse carrying a top weight to win the race since Red Rum did so with 12 stone 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 after the race. “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.”

In a thrilling opening, last year’s jockey on Nick Rockett, Patrick Mullins, was thrown from his mount at the second fence, while the only mare and second favorite, Panic Attack, stumbled at the third. Ben Jones took the lead on Jordans, a 28-1 outsider, but Townend maneuvered his horse through the pack, delivering a decisive final burst to secure the win. Of the 34 starters, 16 completed the race, with Quai de Bourbon and Mr Vango being taken to an ambulance after falls. Robbie Dunne also required medical attention following an accident on Stellar Story.

Trainer Dan Skelton achieved notable success by claiming four of the day’s seven races at Aintree, including wins for Mirabad, Bossman Jack, Mr Hope Street, and Forthfactor. In the second race, Get On George was pulled up and quickly dismounted by Jack Tudor, leading to its humane euthanization—a second fatality of the day after Gold Dancer.

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With three of the top contenders from last year’s race in his stable, Mullins had strong hopes for another victory. However, McManus’ decision to run I Am Maximus at Aintree instead of pursuing the Gold Cup proved pivotal. Reflecting on the choice, Mullins praised McManus’ judgment: “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. “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.”