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

I Am Maximus is at the forefront of a 34-strong field as he attempts to replicate Red Rum's historic feat in the Randox Grand National on Saturday. No horse has achieved this since Red Rum's victories in 1973, 1974, and 1977. I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins, won the Grand National two years ago and finished second last year, narrowly beaten by stablemate Nick Rockett. With Nick Rockett now ruled out due to health issues, I Am Maximus' chances have improved significantly. Mullins also has Grangeclare West, Spanish Harlem, and other contenders in the race. The Rebecca Curtis-trained Haiti Couleurs is aiming to make history by winning the Welsh, Irish, and Aintree Nationals. Other notable runners include Iroko, Jagwar, and Johnnywho. Ben Pauling's Twig, who finished 10th last year, has reignited his connections' National dreams after a successful Becher Chase earlier this season. Trainer Ben 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.'