I Am Maximus wins Grand National for trainer Mullins

I Am Maximus Claims Grand National Victory for Trainer Mullins

Paul Townend secured his second triumph in the Grand National aboard I Am Maximus, marking a historic moment for trainer Willie Mullins. The 2024 winner and last year’s runner-up dominated the race, finishing ahead of Iroko, Jordans, and Johnnywho. This achievement made Mullins the first trainer since Vincent O’Brien (1953–1955) to secure three consecutive Grand National victories. The Irishman, now with four total wins in the race, also set a new record as owner JP McManus claimed his fourth overall triumph, following Don’t Push It in 2010, Minella Times in 2021, and I Am Maximus in 2024.

McManus’s stable boasted three of the top four finishers, with only Jordans missing the mark. I Am Maximus’s performance was notable not only for its victory but also for its weight—11st 12lbs—making it the first top-weight contender to win since Red Rum’s 1974 triumph under a similar burden. The race saw a dramatic start, with last year’s jockey on Nick Rockett, Patrick Mullins, falling at the second fence. Meanwhile, the only mare and second favorite, Panic Attack, stumbled at the third obstacle, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.

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

As the race progressed, Ben Jones made a late surge on Jordans, a 28-1 outsider, but Townend maintained a steady pace with I Am Maximus, ultimately overtaking the leading pack to claim the win. Sixteen of the 34 starters completed the course, though several horses and jockeys faced setbacks. Quai de Bourbon and Mr Vango were stretchered to an ambulance after falls, while Robbie Dunne was hospitalized following an accident on Stellar Story.

Elsewhere at Aintree, Dan Skelton achieved four victories across the day’s seven races, including wins with Mirabad, Bossman Jack, Mr Hope Street, and Forthfactor. In the second race, Get On George was pulled up by Jack Tudor and later euthanized after veterinary assessments, making it the second fatality of the meeting. Mullins, who trained the top three finishers in last year’s race, expressed pride in his team’s performance, acknowledging McManus’s role in the decision. “It was a good call from JP [McManus],” Mullins remarked. “I’d have gone down the Gold Cup route with him, but he wanted to run him at Aintree. This horse is just a superstar. Nothing fazes him and he does what he has to do—runs, jumps, and wins Nationals. Paul executed it so well. This is the race we all aspire to when we get into racing. Just to have a runner is a tremendous sensation.”

With I Am Maximus now the first horse to win the Grand National in non-consecutive years since Red Rum’s 1974 and 1977 successes, the 2024 result added another chapter to the race’s storied history. The final standings saw the Irish-trained star rise to prominence, solidifying its place in the annals of steeplechase racing.