I Am Maximus wins Grand National for trainer Mullins

I Am Maximus wins Grand National for trainer Mullins

Paul Townend secured his second Grand National triumph aboard I Am Maximus, marking a historic moment as the horse became the first to reclaim the Aintree trophy since Red Rum’s 1977 victory. Trainer Willie Mullins celebrated his third consecutive win in the race, a rare feat that ties him to a select group of champions. This year’s winner had previously finished second in 2023, entering the event as the 9-2 favorite and ultimately outpacing rivals like Iroko, Jordans, and Johnnywho.

The 2024 victory made Mullins the first trainer in over 50 years to achieve three straight wins, surpassing Vincent O’Brien’s streak from 1953 to 1955. Owner JP McManus now holds the record for most Grand National wins, with four triumphs under his banner—including this year’s victory, which added to previous successes with Don’t Push It (2010), Minella Times (2021), and I Am Maximus (2024). Notably, McManus also owned three of the top four finishers in Saturday’s race, with Jordans being 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 Paul Townend. “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.”

Mullins, who trained the top three finishers in last year’s race, had a strong case for a repeat win. However, he credited McManus for the decision to run I Am Maximus at Aintree. “It was a good call from JP [McManus]. I’d have gone down the Gold Cup route with him, but he wanted to run him at Aintree,” he told ITV. “This horse is just a superstar. Nothing fazes him and he does what he has to do—runs, jumps, and wins Nationals.”

The race began with dramatic tension, as last year’s jockey Patrick Mullins was unseated on Grangeclare West at the second fence. Meanwhile, the second favorite, Panic Attack, fell at the third obstacle. Ben Jones made a late charge on Jordans, a 28-1 outsider, but Townend maintained a steady pace on I Am Maximus before making a decisive move for the lead.

Sixteen of the 34 starters reached the finish line, though several horses were withdrawn due to injuries. Quai de Bourbon and Mr Vango were taken to the ambulance after falling, while jockey Robbie Dunne required hospital assessment following a tumble on Stellar Story. In other races, Dan Skelton claimed four victories across the day, including wins for Mirabad, Bossman Jack, Mr Hope Street, and Forthfactor.

Tragedy struck in the second race as Get On George was pulled up and euthanized after sustaining critical injuries. This marked the second fatality of the day, following the death of Gold Dancer earlier in the meeting. The Grand National 2026 result section noted I Am Maximus’s status as a two-time winner, underscoring its legacy in the sport’s most iconic event.