I Am Maximus Regains Grand National Title

In a historic moment, I Am Maximus became the first horse to reclaim the Grand National crown since the legendary Red Rum, winning the 2026 Randox Grand National. The race was marked by early drama, including the fall of last year's third-place finisher, Grangeclare West, and Panic Attack at the third fence. I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend, tracked the inside path, a strategy that paid off as the race unfolded. A bold bid by Ben Jones on The Jukebox Man was overtaken by the heavily-backed 9-2 favorite, I Am Maximus, who stormed home to win the race for the second time. This victory marked a record fourth win in the Grand National for owner JP McManus, with Iroko finishing second, a first for one owner to have the first two places. Trainer Willie Mullins, who joins an elite group of four-time National-winning handlers, praised the horse and the call to keep him in Aintree, stating, "It was a good call from JP... Paul just executed it so well." Mullins reflected on the challenges of winning off top-weight but suggested the modern-day National might be viewed differently. I Am Maximus's jockey, Paul Townend, described the horse as "tough" and credited the use of cheekpieces for helping in the middle part of the race. The victory was part of a notable day that also saw Home By The Lee follow up his Stayers' Hurdle success with a dominant display in the Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle, winning by seven lengths under an enterprising ride by J J Slevin.