I Am Maximus claimed a second Grand National victory in three years with a two-and-a-half-length success at Aintree on Saturday, becoming the first horse since Red Rum to win the race in non-consecutive years. Ridden by Paul Townend, the 10-year-old powered past Iroko and the fading Jordans, who had led by three lengths at the final fence, to give trainer Willie Mullins a third consecutive National triumph.
Mullins, who first won the race with Hedgehunter in 2005, has now matched the all-time record of four victories held by George Dockeray, Fred Rimell and Ginger McCain. His latest win came after last year's success with Nick Rockett, ridden by his son Patrick. This time Patrick opted for Grangeclare West, a well-backed 10-1 chance, but the horse fell at the first fence.
The race was far more incident-packed than recent editions, with seven fallers and seven more runners unseating their riders. Panic Attack, the only mare and second favourite at 7-1, went at the third fence, while Jagwar unseated Mark Walsh on the second circuit. Jockey Robbie Dunne was taken to hospital with a suspected fractured collarbone after Stellar Story fell, but no serious injuries to horses were initially apparent.
Townend, who wore the white cap of owner JP McManus, kept his nerve as Jordans and Ben Jones opened up a big lead with two fences to jump. "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." He had enough time at the line to stand up in his irons and acknowledge the crowd.
I Am Maximus was sent off the 9-2 favourite after late support, having been available at twice those odds less than an hour before the off. Mullins joked about the horse's temperament: "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. Just don't stand in his way." A return to Aintree next year appears more likely than a Cheltenham Gold Cup bid, with the 11-year-old poised for another attempt at history.
