I Am Maximus wrote his name into Grand National folklore when he regained his crown in what on-track commentators were calling a ‘Red Rum-like’ performance.
After a memorable win in the race in 2024, I Am Maximus had to settle for second place last year behind his stable companion Nick Rockett … but he showed his true mettle once again at Aintree to secure a second Grand National victory, in the process becoming the first horse since Red Rum forty-nine years ago to win back his Grand National title.
INCREDIBLE – I AM MAXIMUS WINS THE 2026 GRAND NATIONAL, CARRYING TOP WEIGHT! 🟡🟢
🏆 The first horse since Red Rum to regain his Grand National crown!@PTownend | @WillieMullinsNH | @AintreeRaces pic.twitter.com/kbuE7Ea6CT
— Sporting Life Racing (@SportingLife) April 11, 2026
With loose horses threatening to get in the way of the leaders heading into the closing stages of the 6907m stamina sapping contest, I Am Maximus was all heart as he stretched out in determined fashion, coming from many lengths back, to run down the Joseph O’Brien trained Jordans, who had seemed to have opened up a winning lead with a couple of fences left to run.
And I Am Maximus did that under the burden of top weight.
Jockey Paul Townend, who has stuck fast with I Am Maximus in all three of his Grand National campaigns, was ecstatic at winning his second Grand National and was full of praise for I Am Maximus.
“He wasn’t telling me not to ride him,” said Townend, explaining the steadfast faith he had in the horse.
“He’s a really, really good horse. He’s so good. He’s got such an engine and will gallop to the end of the world for you.”
This was also a special result for trainer Willie Mullins and owner JP McManus.
Mullin’s win in the race elevated him to a position alongside Ginger McCain and Fred Rimmel as a four-time Grand national winning trainer.
It was also a record fourth win in the race for JP McManus … who claimed another distinction in the race’s history by becoming the first owner to own the first two runners (I Am Maximus and Iroko) across the line.
Iroko had also caught and past Jordans late in the running to claim second spot. Jordans finished third. Johnnywho was fourth.
