I Am Maximus wins Grand National for trainer Mullins

I Am Maximus Secures Grand National Victory for Mullins

Paul Townend claimed his second Grand National title on I Am Maximus, marking the first time a horse had won the race after a gap since Red Rum’s 1977 triumph. The 2024 winner and previous year’s runner-up came into the event as the 9-2 favorite and delivered a decisive performance, finishing ahead of Iroko, Jordans, and Johnnywho. This success elevated Irish trainer Willie Mullins to his third consecutive Grand National victory, a milestone not seen since Vincent O’Brien’s three-year streak from 1953 to 1955.

The feat also solidified JP McManus as the most successful owner in the race’s history, with four wins to his name—Don’t Push It (2010), Minella Times (2021), I Am Maximus (2024), and now another triumph. McManus owns three of the top four finishers, with Jordans being the sole exception. I Am Maximus, carrying a handicap of 11st 12lbs, became the first top-weight winner since Red Rum’s 12-stone victory in 1974.

“Privileged” was how Paul Townend described his role in I Am Maximus’s victory. He shared with ITV: “He’s tough. A true superstar, this horse doesn’t hesitate. Grangeclare West and Nick Rockett trained well, but Iroko wasn’t giving me any signals. He just goes out and does it.”

The race was marked by dramatic early moments, including the fall of last year’s jockey Patrick Mullins on Grangeclare West at the second fence. The only mare in the field, Panic Attack, also stumbled at the third obstacle. Ben Jones’s late surge on Jordans—a 28-1 outsider—was thwarted as Townend maintained his position and surged to the front in the final stretch.

Of the 34 starters, 16 completed the course. Quai de Bourbon and Mr Vango were assisted into ambulances after falls, while jockey Robbie Dunne was hospitalized following a tumble on Stellar Story. Elsewhere, trainer Dan Skelton claimed four victories across the day’s seven races, including wins with Mirabad, Bossman Jack, Mr Hope Street, and Forthfactor.

Grand National 2026: I Am Maximus’s Historic Return

The 2026 Grand National saw I Am Maximus secure his second title, making him the first horse to win the race in non-consecutive years since Red Rum’s 1977 triumph. Mullins, who trained the top three finishers in 2025, expressed his confidence in the horse’s potential, though he acknowledged McManus’s influence. Mullins told ITV: “JP made the right choice. I’d have aimed him at the Gold Cup, but he insisted on Aintree. This is the pinnacle—every rider dreams of this.”