I Am Maximus Leads Grand National Field 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 achievement of Red Rum, who previously won the prestigious steeplechase, lost the title, and then reclaimed it. Red Rum's remarkable wins in 1973, 1974, and 1977 serve as a benchmark for I Am Maximus, who claimed victory two years ago under 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' prospects have improved. The field includes past winners, with trainer Willie Mullins also entering Grangeclare West, Spanish Harlem, Lecky Watson, Champ Kiely, High Class Hero, Captain Cody, and Quai De Bourbon. Other notable contenders include Haiti Couleurs, who seeks to make history by winning the Welsh, Irish, and Aintree Nationals, and Ben Pauling's Twig, who finished 10th last year and has reinvigorated his connections' National ambitions after winning the Becher Chase. Trainer Pauling expressed his hopes for Twig, 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.' The final field is subject to change, with the deadline for reserves to participate being 1 pm on Friday.