I Am Maximus wins Grand National for trainer Mullins

I Am Maximus Claims Grand National Victory for Mullins

Jockey 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, who previously finished second in 2023, broke a 46-year drought by becoming the first horse since Red Rum’s 1977 victory to reclaim the prestigious race. This achievement solidified Mullins’ third consecutive win at Aintree, a feat unmatched since Vincent O’Brien’s three-year streak from 1953 to 1955.

The 9-2 favorite edged out Iroko, Jordans, and Johnnywho in the final stretch, with its 11st 12lbs weight making it the first top-weight winner since Red Rum carried 12 stone to glory in 1974. Owner JP McManus, now the most successful in the race’s history, has four triumphs to his name—Don’t Push It (2010), Minella Times (2021), and I Am Maximus (2024)—with three of the top four finishers in Saturday’s race under his banner.

“Privileged” was the word Townend used to describe riding I Am Maximus. “He’s a tough competitor, and he’s truly exceptional. Even though Grangeclare West and Nick Rockett looked strong in training, this horse never hinted it wasn’t ready to win,” he said on ITV. “He’s got an engine that never tires. He’ll run, jump, and win until the end of the world.”

The race saw dramatic early setbacks, including last year’s jockey Patrick Mullins falling from Grangeclare West at the second fence and the second favorite, Panic Attack, unseating at the third. Ben Jones surged on Jordans, a 28-1 outsider, but Townend maintained a steady pace with I Am Maximus before launching a decisive final push. Of the 34 starters, 16 finished, with Quai de Bourbon and Mr Vango needing ambulance transport after falls, and Robbie Dunne hospitalized following a tumble on Stellar Story.

Elsewhere, Dan Skelton claimed four victories across seven races at Aintree, including wins with Mirabad, Bossman Jack, Mr Hope Street, and Forthfactor. In the second race, Get On George was pulled up and quickly dismounted by Jack Tudor, leading to its humane euthanasia. This marked the second fatality of the day, following Gold Dancer’s earlier incident.

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Mullins, who trained the top three finishers in 2023, seemed poised to repeat his success in 2024. However, McManus’s decision to keep I Am Maximus at Aintree rather than target the Gold Cup proved pivotal. “JP made a smart choice,” Mullins told ITV. “I’d have taken him to the Gold Cup, but he wanted to test him at Aintree. This horse is a superstar—nothing slows him down, and he does exactly what’s needed to win Nationals.”