I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins, secured his second Grand National victory in three years at Aintree on Saturday, winning by two and a half lengths. The 10-year-old overtook Iroko and the faltering Jordans, who had led by three lengths at the last fence. Mullins achieved his third consecutive National win, a feat not seen since Vincent O'Brien in 1955.
This victory places I Am Maximus among Grand National legends. Red Rum was the last horse to win non-consecutive years, claiming his third victory in 1977. Mullins's fourth National win ties him with George Dockeray, Fred Rimell, and Ginger McCain for the most wins by a trainer.
The race was marred by incidents, with seven fallers and seven unseated riders, more than double the total of the previous two Nationals combined. Jockey Robbie Dunne was taken to hospital with a suspected fractured collarbone. Panic Attack, the only mare and second favourite, fell at the third fence, while Jagwar unseated his rider on the second circuit.
Paul Townend, riding I Am Maximus, remained composed as Jordans took a big lead two fences from home. Townend said, 'I was always getting the feel off him that when I did commit him, I had horse left.' He stood up in his irons at the line to acknowledge the crowd.
I Am Maximus started as the 9-2 favourite after late betting support, having been available at twice those odds less than an hour before the race. Mullins joked about the horse's temperament, saying, 'He ate about three babies and kicked about four pensioners so we had to load him up and bring him home after five minutes.'
Mullins hinted at a possible return for the Cheltenham Gold Cup but suggested a fourth Grand National attempt next year is more likely. If I Am Maximus returns as an 11-year-old, it will be one of the most anticipated renewals in the race's history.
