I Am Maximus Leads the Charge in Grand National Declarations 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 achievement of Red Rum by reclaiming the title after previously winning and losing it. Red Rum's impressive 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 narrowly missed a repeat victory in 2025, finishing behind stablemate Nick Rockett. The chances of I Am Maximus have improved with the news that Nick Rockett has been ruled out due to a cough. Mullins has a strong team, including Grangeclare West, Spanish Harlem, Lecky Watson, Champ Kiely, High Class Hero, Captain Cody, and Quai De Bourbon. Haiti Couleurs, trained by Rebecca Curtis, is also a contender, seeking to become the first horse to win the Welsh, Irish, and Aintree Nationals. Other notable entries include Banbridge, Gerri Colombe, Firefox, Monty's Star, and Oscars Brother, enhancing Ireland's strong presence in the race. Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero have high hopes 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, has rekindled his connections' National dreams after winning the Becher Chase earlier this season and will be ridden by 21-year-old Beau Morgan. Pauling commented, 'He ran well last year, but the plan wasn't to be so far back. If we can get him into a rhythm closer to the pace, that would be better, as it's harder to come from behind these days.' With no withdrawals at the 72-hour declaration stage, the field is set, although Jimmy Mangan's Spillane's Tower is also declared to run in Thursday's Racing Welfare Bowl Chase, and Pied Piper is the first reserve.