I Am Maximus secured a historic second Grand National victory at Aintree on Saturday, winning by two and a half lengths. Trained by Willie Mullins, the 10-year-old powered past Iroko and the faltering Jordans, who had led by three lengths at the last fence. Mullins becomes the first trainer since Vincent O'Brien in 1955 to win three consecutive Nationals.
Red Rum, the most cherished Aintree hero, was the last horse to win the race in non-consecutive years, claiming a record third success in 1977. Mullins's fourth win ties him with George Dockeray, Fred Rimell and Ginger McCain for the all-time record. The race saw seven fallers and seven unseated riders, with jockey Robbie Dunne taken to hospital with a suspected collarbone fracture.
Paul Townend, the winning jockey, kept calm as Jordans and Ben Jones built a big lead. "I was always getting the feel off him that when I did commit him, I had horse left," Townend said. "I just trusted Max would come alive when I wanted him." I Am Maximus started as 9-2 favourite after late betting support.
Willie Mullins described the horse's temperament: "I Am Maximus, he ate about three babies and kicked about four pensioners so we had to load him up and bring him home after five minutes. He would eat you without salt. Just don't stand in his way." A return to Liverpool next year is likely, where he could become the second horse to win three times, after Red Rum.
