I Am Maximus Leads Grand National Lineup After Nick Rockett's Withdrawal

I Am Maximus is at the forefront of the 34 declared runners for the Randox Grand National, aiming to replicate the legendary Red Rum's achievement of reclaiming the title. Red Rum made history by winning in 1973, 1974, and 1977, with second-place finishes in 1975 and 1976. I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins, secured a victory two years ago under Paul Townend and narrowly lost to stablemate Nick Rockett last year. With Nick Rockett now ruled out due to a cough, I Am Maximus' chances have improved. Mullins has a strong lineup, including Grangeclare West, Spanish Harlem, and Lecky Watson. Other notable contenders include Haiti Couleurs, seeking to make history by winning the Welsh, Irish, and Aintree Nationals, and Oliver Greenall's Iroko and Jagwar. Ben Pauling's Twig, who finished 10th last year, has rekindled his connections' National aspirations after a Becher Chase win. Trainer Pauling expressed his hopes for Twig, saying, 'If he can travel in the first half of the field on the first circuit and just hold our own on the second circuit, as we know he stays very well, then we'll see if we can beat last year's result.' With no withdrawals at the 72-hour declaration stage, the stage is set for a thrilling Grand National.