I Am Maximus Leads Grand National Lineup Following 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 achievements of Red Rum by reclaiming the title in Saturday's event. No horse has achieved this feat since Red Rum's legendary wins in 1973, 1974, and 1977. I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins, previously won the Grand National two years ago with Paul Townend and was narrowly beaten by stablemate Nick Rockett in 2025. With Nick Rockett now ruled out due to a cough, I Am Maximus' chances have improved. Mullins also has Grangeclare West, Spanish Harlem, Lecky Watson, Champ Kiely, High Class Hero, Captain Cody, and Quai De Bourbon in the lineup. The Rebecca Curtis-trained Haiti Couleurs is another contender aiming for a historic win, as no horse has won the Welsh, Irish, and Aintree Nationals. Other notable runners include Banbridge, Gerri Colombe, Firefox, Monty's Star, and Oscars Brother, bolstering Ireland's strong presence. Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero have significant chances with Iroko and Jagwar, both owned by JP McManus, who also has Cheltenham Festival winner Johnnywho on his team. Ben Pauling's Twig, who finished 10th last year and won the Becher Chase, will be ridden by 21-year-old Beau Morgan, the owner's son. Pauling noted, 'He acts on the track and enjoys it, having won the Becher. If we can get him into a rhythm closer to the pace, that would be better. If he can travel in the first half of the field on the first circuit and hold our own on the second circuit, we'll see if we can beat last year's result.' With no withdrawals at the 72-hour declaration stage, the final field is set, although Jimmy Mangan's Spillane's Tower may also run in Thursday's Racing Welfare Bowl Chase, potentially paving the way for reserve Pied Piper to join the lineup.