I Am Maximus Makes History with Grand National 2026 Victory
I Am Maximus etched his name into racing folklore by becoming the first horse since Red Rum in 1977 to regain his Grand National crown, delivering a stunning victory at Aintree that landed a reported £100,000 gamble for connections.
The 9/2 favourite, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, secured a third consecutive National win for the Irish trainer, following up on previous successes in what has become a remarkable period of dominance.
A Race of Drama and Attrition
Despite the withdrawal of last year's winner Nick Rockett earlier in the week, Mullins still saddled a quarter of the field. However, his team was quickly reduced when Grangeclare West dramatically unseated amateur jockey Patrick Mullins at the very first fence.
The drama continued at the third fence, where Dan Skelton's well-backed mare Panic Attack fell. Skelton had earlier landed a remarkable 955/1 treble on the Aintree card.
As the field thinned, second favourite Jagwar fell at the 19th fence, leaving 28/1 shot Jordans in front approaching the final obstacle. But I Am Maximus, equipped with cheekpieces for the first time, steadily wore down the leader on the run-in.
McManus Celebrates 1-2 Finish
The race concluded with a one-two for legendary owner JP McManus, whose colours were carried to victory by I Am Maximus, with Iroko (18/1) finishing strongly for second. Another McManus runner, Jonnywho (12/1), took fourth place.
High Class Hero (66/1) finished fifth, with Favour De Champdou (40/1) in sixth.
Jockey and Trainer Reactions
An emotional Paul Townend, winning the race on I Am Maximus for the second time, praised his mount's toughness.
"He's tough isn't he? I think the new cheekpieces definitely helped. He didn't travel with the enthusiasm as he did in the first year. I was able to get a lead to the Elbow and I didn't know where that loose horse was going to go. He's a really, really good horse. He'd gallop to the end of the world for you!"
Willie Mullins, who trained two of the first five home, revealed the decision-making behind the campaign.
"The most trouble he had was from his stablemate. A good call from JP McManus who said no to running the horse in the Gold Cup. Paul rode such a great race as well."
Safety and Welfare Updates
Sixteen horses completed the course, with Firefox the last to finish. Two horses, Top Of The Bill and Quai De Bourbon, were assessed by vets after the race. Jockey Robbie Dunne was reported to have been knocked unconscious following his fall from Stellar Story at the 19th fence.
