I Am Maximus wins Grand National for trainer Mullins

I Am Maximus Secures Grand National Victory for Trainer Mullins

Irish trainer Willie Mullins claimed his third consecutive triumph in the Grand National at Aintree, with jockey Paul Townend securing the second victory of his career aboard I Am Maximus. The 2024 winner and last year’s runner-up proved dominant, finishing ahead of Iroko, Jordans, and Johnnywho to cement his place in history. This marks the first time since Red Rum’s 1977 win that a horse has reclaimed the race after a gap, and Mullins becomes the first trainer to achieve three straight victories since Vincent O’Brien’s streak from 1953 to 1955.

Key Achievements and Records

The victory highlights a historic milestone for I Am Maximus, who carried a weight of 11st 12lbs. This makes him the first top-weight competitor to win the Grand National since Red Rum’s 12 stone triumph in 1974. Owner JP McManus now holds the title of most successful Grand National owner, with four victories to his name—Don’t Push It in 2010, Minella Times in 2021, and I Am Maximus in 2024. Notably, three of the top four finishers in Saturday’s race are from McManus’ stable, with Jordans as the sole exception.

“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,” said Townend after the race. “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.”

The race began dramatically, with last year’s winning jockey Patrick Mullins falling from Grangeclare West at the second fence. The only mare, Panic Attack, also suffered a setback at the third obstacle. Ben Jones made a late surge on Jordans, a 28-1 outsider, but Townend maintained a steady pace on I Am Maximus before launching a decisive move for the lead. Of the 34 starters, 16 completed the course, though some faced serious injuries. Quai de Bourbon and Mr Vango were taken to the ambulance, while Robbie Dunne required hospital evaluation after a fall on Stellar Story.

Meanwhile, Dan Skelton demonstrated his prowess by securing wins in four of Aintree’s seven races, including Mirabad, Bossman Jack, Mr Hope Street, and Forthfactor. In the second race, Get On George was pulled up by Jack Tudor, leading to its humane euthanasia. This follows the earlier death of Gold Dancer, marking the second fatality of the day at the iconic venue.

Mullins expressed his admiration for McManus’ decision to run I Am Maximus at Aintree. “It was a good call from JP [McManus],” he 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.”