I Am Maximus Leads Grand National Lineup After Nick Rockett 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 winning the prestigious steeplechase for a second time. Red Rum's remarkable record includes victories in 1973, 1974, and 1977, with second-place finishes in 1975 and 1976. I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins, won the Grand National two years ago with Paul Townend and finished second to stablemate Nick Rockett in 2025. However, Nick Rockett's withdrawal due to a cough has improved I Am Maximus' chances. Mullins has a strong lineup, including Grangeclare West, Spanish Harlem, Lecky Watson, Champ Kiely, High Class Hero, Captain Cody, and Quai De Bourbon. Other notable contenders include Haiti Couleurs, Banbridge, Gerri Colombe, Firefox, Monty's Star, and Oscars Brother. Iroko and Jagwar, both owned by JP McManus, also have significant chances, while Twig, trained by Ben Pauling, is another horse with a strong claim after winning the Becher Chase earlier this season. Pauling expressed optimism about Twig's prospects, stating, '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 an exciting Grand National.