I Am Maximus wins Grand National for trainer Mullins

I Am Maximus Claims Grand National Victory for 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 prestigious race since Red Rum’s legendary win in 1977. Trainer Willie Mullins celebrated his third consecutive victory at Aintree, a feat unmatched since Vincent O’Brien’s three-year run from 1953 to 1955. This year’s winner, who finished second in 2023, was the 9-2 favorite and outpaced competitors including Iroko, Jordans, and Johnnywho.

The 2024 edition of the race saw a dramatic opening, with last year’s jockey on Nick Rockett, Patrick Mullins, losing his seat on Grangeclare West at the second fence. Meanwhile, the second favorite, Panic Attack, the only mare in the field, stumbled at the third. Ben Jones made a late surge on Jordans, a 28-1 outsider, but Townend maintained his position on I Am Maximus, ultimately seizing the lead in the final stretch.

Breaking Records and Setting New Milestones

With a handicap weight of 11st 12lbs, I Am Maximus became the first top-weight contender to triumph in the Grand National since Red Rum’s 12-stone victory in 1974. This achievement cements Mullins’ status as a dominant force in the sport, while owner JP McManus now holds the record for most Grand National wins, 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 were from McManus’ stable, with only Jordans missing out.

“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.” “Grand Nationals and Gold Cups are the pinnacle of the sport and I have them both,” he added, reflecting on his career.

The race saw 16 of the 34 starters complete the course, with several horses sustaining injuries. Quai de Bourbon and Mr Vango were taken to hospital after falling, while Robbie Dunne was assessed following a tumble on Stellar Story. In a separate incident, Get On George, a six-year-old, was pulled up in the second race and euthanized, making it the second fatality of the day.

Training Triumphs and Racing Reflections

Trainer Dan Skelton claimed four victories across Aintree’s seven races, including wins with Mirabad, Bossman Jack, Mr Hope Street, and Forthfactor. Meanwhile, Mullins expressed gratitude for McManus’ decision to run I Am Maximus at Aintree rather than pursuing the Gold Cup. “It was a good call from JP,” he told ITV. “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.”

As the event concluded, the focus shifted to future possibilities, with Mullins set to train the top three finishers from last year’s race. The 2026 Grand National will be watched closely to see if I Am Maximus can repeat his success, marking another chapter in the storied history of the British racing calendar.