I Am Maximus Regains Grand National Title

In a historic moment, I Am Maximus became the first horse to reclaim the Grand National title since the legendary Red Rum, winning the 2026 Randox Grand National. The race was filled with early drama, including Grangeclare West parting ways with Patrick Mullins at the first fence and Panic Attack falling at the third. I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend, tracked the inside path, a strategy that paid off as the race unfolded. As the competition heated up, Ben Jones made a bold move with The Jukebox Man, but it was I Am Maximus who surged forward after the final jump, securing his second Grand National win. This victory marked a record fourth win in the race for owner JP McManus, with Iroko finishing second, a first for one owner to have the top two spots. Jordans took third place, followed by Johnnywho in fourth. Trainer Mullins, now a four-time National-winning handler, praised the horse and the strategy, saying, "It was a good call from JP... Paul just executed it so well." Mullins reflected on the challenges of winning with top weight, noting the modern Grand National might be viewed differently. I Am Maximus's win was nothing short of spectacular, with Townend describing him as "tough" and a horse that "will gallop to the end of the world for you." The event also saw Home By The Lee dominate the Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle, following up his Stayers' Hurdle success at the Cheltenham Festival with a seven-length victory. Joseph O'Brien's veteran horse was given an enterprising ride by J J Slevin, outstaying the competition to secure a double last achieved by Sire du Berlais in 2023. O'Brien praised the horse, saying, "He's been a star for a number of years... We had a plan today that once they got down the back straight J J was going to inject the pace and he really stepped it up down the back."