I Am Maximus wins Grand National for trainer Mullins

I Am Maximus Claims Grand National Victory for Trainer Willie Mullins

Paul Townend, the jockey, secured his second Grand National triumph aboard I Am Maximus, marking the first repeat victory in the race since Red Rum’s feat in 1977. The 2024 winner, who had finished second the previous year, entered the contest as the 9-2 favorite and delivered on that expectation by edging out Iroko, Jordans, and Johnnywho. This achievement gave Irish trainer Willie Mullins his third consecutive win at Aintree, making him the first jockey in three years to achieve such a feat since Vincent O’Brien’s run from 1953 to 1955.

With a handicap of 11st 12lbs, I Am Maximus became the first top-weight contender to secure victory since Red Rum’s legendary 12-stone triumph in 1974. The horse’s performance was highlighted by its resilience, as it overcame challenges to clinch the title. Mullins, who now has four Grand National wins under his belt, praised the horse’s determination, stating it “does what it has to do—runs, jumps, and wins Nationals.”

Key Race Highlights

The race was marked by intense competition and dramatic moments. Last year’s winning jockey, Patrick Mullins, fell from Grangeclare West at the second fence, while the second favorite, Panic Attack, stumbled at the third. Ben Jones attempted a late surge on Jordans, a 28-1 outsider, but Townend maintained a steady pace with I Am Maximus before launching a decisive move in the final stretch.

“He’s tough. He’s a really, really good horse, and although Grangeclare West and Nick Rockett looked strong in training, this lad wasn’t telling me not to ride him,” Townend remarked to ITV. “He has such an engine. He will gallop to the end of the world for you. I am really privileged. What a horse.”

Only 16 of the 34 starting horses completed the race, with several incidents occurring. Quai de Bourbon and Mr Vango were stretchered to an ambulance after falls, while jockey Robbie Dunne required hospital assessment following a tumble on Stellar Story. Meanwhile, the second race of the day saw Get On George pulled up and euthanized, adding to the list of casualties at the Aintree meeting.

Trainer’s Record and Owner’s Influence

Trainer Dan Skelton added to his tally with wins in four of the day’s seven races, including Mirabad, Bossman Jack, Mr Hope Street, and Forthfactor. However, the spotlight remained on Mullins, who had trained the top three finishers in the 2024 Grand National. Despite that, McManus’s decision to run I Am Maximus at Aintree proved pivotal, with Mullins acknowledging the owner’s strategic choice.

“It was a good call from JP [McManus]. I’d have gone down the Gold Cup route with him, but he wanted to run him at Aintree,” Mullins said to ITV. “This horse is just a superstar. Nothing fazes him. He’s the race we all aspire to when we get into racing. Just to have a runner is a tremendous sensation.”

Mullins’ victory solidified his status as the first trainer in three decades to achieve three consecutive Grand National wins. McManus, now the most successful owner in the race’s history, has four triumphs to his credit, including the 2010 Don’t Push It, 2021 Minella Times, and this year’s I Am Maximus. The win also saw three of the top four finishers in Saturday’s event belong to McManus, with Jordans being the sole exception.