I Am Maximus has etched his name in history by becoming the first horse since the legendary Red Rum in the 1970s to reclaim the Grand National title. After being supported into the favorite position just before the race, he triumphed in a thrilling contest, securing his second victory after a memorable win in 2024.
The race unfolded with considerable excitement as last year’s third-place finisher, Grangeclare West, lost his rider, Patrick Mullins—who had previously won the race on Nick Rockett—at the first fence. Additionally, Panic Attack fell at the third obstacle. Meanwhile, I Am Maximus, under the guidance of Paul Townend, navigated the familiar inside path with confidence.
As the event progressed, Ben Jones mounted a strong challenge aboard The Jukebox Man, attempting to add to his King George success with Joseph O’Brien’s Jordans after the penultimate jump. However, a strong challenge from a JP McManus-owned horse was on the horizon, and it was the well-backed 9-2 favorite who surged ahead from the elbow to clinch victory for the second time, having placed second in the previous year’s race.
This win marked a historic fourth Grand National victory for owner JP McManus, who also witnessed Iroko finish in second place—making it a unique achievement for a single owner to have the top two finishers in the race. Jordans secured third place, while Johnnywho came in fourth.
Following his victory, Townend, who completed the Gold Cup and Grand National double this season, remarked, “He’s tough, isn’t he? He didn’t travel as enthusiastically as he did in his first year, but the cheekpieces made a difference in the middle stages of the race.”
Townend praised I Am Maximus for his capabilities, stating, “He’s an exceptional horse, and that’s why I chose to ride him. He’s incredibly talented and has the stamina to go the distance.”
Trainer Willie Mullins, who now shares the honor of being a four-time National-winning trainer with Red Rum’s trainer Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell, commented, “JP made a wise decision. I was initially focused on the Gold Cup route, but he advised me to keep him at Aintree, believing he was well placed in the weights. Paul executed the race plan perfectly.”
Mullins added, “Winning off top weight is challenging, but perhaps the nature of the modern National is evolving, prompting us to reassess our strategies. This race is one we all aspire to win, and even having a runner is an incredible experience. He truly is a superstar—nothing seems to faze him. He simply comes out, does what he needs to do, and wins Nationals.”
Final standings for the race were as follows:
- 1. I Am Maximus (Paul Townend) 9-2 Fav
- 2. Iroko (Jonjo O’Neill Jr.) 18-1
- 3. Jordans (Ben Jones) 28-1
- 4. Johnnywho (R P McLernon) 12-1
In other racing news, events at Wincanton included Special John at 1.47, Sinchi Roca at 2.20, Siorai at 2.55, Redbridge Rambler at 3.27, Khafre at 4.00, Obsessedwithyou at 4.30, Ugo Bingo at 5.00, and Western Charm at 5.30. Ffos Las featured Miss Kassiopi at 2.03, Knead A Win at 2.38, Cinquenta at 3.13, Jack’s Jury at 3.50, Boston Joe at 4.20, Mythe Bridge at 4.50, and Pooley’s Promise at 5.20. Musselburgh races included Adonius at 3.45, Suddenly I See (nb) at 4.15, Samra Green at 4.45, Dwindling Funds at 5.15, Say What You See (nap) at 5.45, Abduction at 6.15, and Al Hussar at 6.45.
Further analysis of the significant race will be provided by Greg Wood in his upcoming report.
