I Am Maximus Regains Grand National Title

I Am Maximus has made history by becoming the first horse to reclaim the Grand National title since the legendary Red Rum, with a thrilling victory in the 2026 Randox Grand National. The race was marked by early drama, including the fall of Grangeclare West and Panic Attack, but I Am Maximus tracked the inside path under the skilled hands of Paul Townend. As the race unfolded, a bold bid by Ben Jones on The Jukebox Man was ultimately surpassed by the heavily-backed 9-2 favorite I Am Maximus, who stormed home to win the race for a second time. This achievement marks a record fourth win in the Grand National for owner JP McManus, who also saw his horse Iroko finish second. Trainer Willie Mullins, who joins an elite group of four-time National-winning handlers, praised the horse and the strategic decision to keep him in the Aintree race. Mullins noted that I Am Maximus is a 'superb horse' who received a 'fantastic ride' and executed the plan perfectly. The victory has sparked discussions about the changing nature of the modern-day Grand National, with some suggesting that the traditional challenges of winning with top weight may be evolving. I Am Maximus's win has also raised hopes for a potential third success next year, with owner JP McManus expressing his enthusiasm for the horse's future prospects in the Grand National.