I Am Maximus etched his name into Grand National history on Saturday, becoming the first horse since Red Rum to win the race in non-consecutive years. The 10-year-old, trained by Willie Mullins, powered to a two-and-a-half-length victory at Aintree, adding to his 2024 success and emulating the legendary Red Rum's 1977 feat.
Mullins secured his third consecutive Grand National win, a first since Vincent O'Brien in 1955, and his fourth overall, tying the all-time record held by George Dockeray, Fred Rimell and Ginger McCain. The victory came despite a chaotic race that saw seven fallers and seven unseated riders, the highest number in recent years.
Jockey Paul Townend kept his cool as Jordans led by three lengths at the last fence. '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.' The pair crossed the line with Townend standing in his irons to acknowledge the crowd.
Mullins described I Am Maximus as a horse with a strong personality, noting his antics at a post-race parade: 'He ate about three babies and kicked about four pensioners so we had to load him up and bring him home after five minutes. That's I Am Maximus. He would eat you without salt.'
The victory was sweet for owner JP McManus, whose white cap distinguished I Am Maximus from his other runners. The horse started as 9-2 favourite after late betting support, and could return next year aiming for a third win, a feat only Red Rum has achieved.
