Paul Townend has opted to ride I Am Maximus in Saturday's Grand National, choosing the 2024 winner over stablemate Grangeclare West. The decision was announced on Wednesday when the final field was declared for the Aintree showpiece.
Townend, stable jockey to Willie Mullins, had the pick of the trainer's nine entries and narrowed his choice to the two horses. I Am Maximus won the race two years ago and finished second last year behind Nick Rockett, while Grangeclare West finished third in the same race, completing a historic 1-2-3 for the Mullins stable.
The jockey had not partnered I Am Maximus since last year's Grand National, but he was aboard Grangeclare West when he won the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February. That race has become a key guide to the Grand National, having been won by subsequent winners Nick Rockett and I Am Maximus.
Explaining his choice, Townend said he could not leave I Am Maximus behind. “He gave me one of my greatest days in the saddle here two years ago, and I think he goes there with a great chance of regaining his crown this year,” he said. He added that he hopes Aintree will water the course, as it was “just a touch quick” for the horse last year, but believes the cheekpieces will help regardless of the ground.
Patrick Mullins, who rode Nick Rockett to victory last year, will take over on Grangeclare West. I Am Maximus goes into the race as top weight and favourite.
