I Am Maximus wins Grand National for trainer Mullins
I Am Maximus Claims Grand National Victory for Willie Mullins
Willie Mullins secured his third straight triumph at Aintree’s Grand National, with I Am Maximus once again delivering under jockey Paul Townend. The 2024 winner and previous year’s runner-up emerged as the 9-2 favorite, overcoming competition from Iroko, Johnnywho, and Jordans to claim the prestigious title. This achievement marks a historic milestone, as I Am Maximus becomes the first horse since Red Rum’s 1977 win to reclaim the Grand National. Mullins’ record now matches that of Vincent O’Brien, who achieved three consecutive victories between 1953 and 1955.
A Historic Achievement for Mullins
Mullins’ success is part of a broader legacy, as he has now won the Grand National a total of four times. Owner JP McManus also made history, securing his fourth victory in the race with I Am Maximus. This solidifies McManus as the most successful owner in the event’s history, having previously triumphed with Don’t Push It (2010), Minella Times (2021), and I Am Maximus (2024). Remarkably, McManus’ stable included three of the top four finishers, 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.” “Grand Nationals and Gold Cups are the pinnacle of the sport and I have them both,” he added.
Race Drama and Key Moments
The race began with high tension, as last year’s jockey on Nick Rockett, Patrick Mullins, was thrown from his mount at the second fence. Meanwhile, the only mare and second favorite, Panic Attack, stumbled at the third obstacle. Despite these early setbacks, Ben Jones made a bold attempt on Jordans, a 28-1 outsider, near the final turn. However, Townend maintained his position in the leading group and executed a decisive surge to cross the line first.
A total of sixteen of the thirty-four starters completed the race. Quai de Bourbon and Mr Vango were removed from the track after falling, while jockey Robbie Dunne received medical attention following a tumble on Stellar Story. The event also saw the tragic loss of Get On George, who was pulled up and euthanized, making it the second fatality of the day after Gold Dancer.
Other Notable Wins
Trainer Dan Skelton claimed victories in four of the seven races held at Aintree, including wins for Mirabad, Bossman Jack, Mr Hope Street, and Forthfactor. In the second race, Get On George’s fate was sealed when he was pulled up by Jack Tudor, leading to his humane euthanasia. This incident added to the day’s somber tally, as Gold Dancer had already been the first casualty earlier.
