I Am Maximus Regains Grand National Title

I Am Maximus has written his name into the history books by becoming the first horse to regain the Grand National title since the legendary Red Rum. The 2026 Randox Grand National was filled with drama from the start, with last year's third-place finisher Grangeclare West parting company with Patrick Mullins at the first fence, and Panic Attack falling at the third. I Am Maximus, under the guidance of Paul Townend, tracked the inside path he knows so well, setting himself up for a thrilling finish. As the race unfolded, Ben Jones made a bold move on The Jukebox Man, but it was the heavily-backed 9-2 favorite I Am Maximus who stormed home to win the race for a second time. This victory marked a record fourth win in the Grand National for owner JP McManus, who also saw his Iroko finish second, a first for one owner to have the top two finishers. Jordans took third place, with Johnnywho finishing fourth. Trainer Willie Mullins, who joins an elite group of four-time National-winning handlers, praised I Am Maximus, saying, 'He's a superb horse who got a fantastic ride.' Mullins also credited owner JP McManus for making the decision to keep I Am Maximus in the Grand National instead of pursuing the Gold Cup. Jockey Paul Townend described I Am Maximus as 'tough' and said the cheekpieces helped the horse during the middle part of the race. In other racing news, Home By The Lee followed up his Stayers' Hurdle success at the Cheltenham Festival with a dominant display in the Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle, giving Joseph O'Brien an 11-year-old winner at 5-1 odds.