I Am Maximus wins Grand National for trainer Mullins
I Am Maximus Claims Grand National Victory for Trainer Willie Mullins
Paul Townend secured his second triumph in the Grand National aboard I Am Maximus, marking a historic moment as the horse became the first to reclaim the race since Red Rum’s 1977 win. This achievement solidified trainer Willie Mullins’ third consecutive victory at Aintree, an unprecedented feat in the race’s history. Mullins, who previously won in 2021 and 2024, now joins an elite group with Vincent O’Brien as the last trainer to secure three straight wins from 1953 to 1955.
The 2024 champion and 2023 runner-up entered the event as the 9-2 favorite, delivering on expectations by outperforming competitors such as Iroko, Jordans, and Johnnywho. I Am Maximus’ success also elevated JP McManus to the top of the all-time owners’ list, with four Grand National victories—Don’t Push It (2010), Minella Times (2021), and I Am Maximus (2024)—and three of the top four finishers in Saturday’s race.
Race Highlights and Dramatic Moments
Aintree’s Grand National witnessed early drama as last year’s winning jockey Patrick Mullins was thrown from Grangeclare West at the second fence. The second favorite, Panic Attack, also fell at the third obstacle, leaving the field open for a thrilling finish. Ben Jones attempted to surge on Jordans, a 28-1 outsider, but Paul Townend’s I Am Maximus held steady, eventually seizing the lead in the final stretch.
“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,” Townend added, reflecting on the honor of competing in the race.
With a weight of 11st 12lbs, I Am Maximus also made history by becoming the first top-weight contender to claim victory since Red Rum’s 12-stone triumph in 1974. Sixteen of the 34 starters completed the race, while Quai de Bourbon and Mr Vango were attended by medical teams after falls. Robbie Dunne was hospitalized following a fall on Stellar Story, and Get On George, pulled up in the second race, was euthanized—a second fatality at the meeting.
Elsewhere, Dan Skelton added to his tally with wins in four races, including Mirabad, Bossman Jack, Mr Hope Street, and Forthfactor. Mullins credited McManus for his strategic decision to run I Am Maximus at Aintree rather than pursue the Gold Cup. “It was a good call from JP,” 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.”
As the 2024 Grand National concluded, the race’s legacy continued with I Am Maximus’ dual victory, a milestone that underscored the trainer’s and owner’s enduring influence in the sport.
