The 2026 Grand National has become a part of history, and what an event it turned out to be. The standout performance came from I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, making history as the first horse to reclaim the trophy since the legendary Red Rum. This achievement solidified Mullins's status as one of the greatest, having guided I Am Maximus to a career-best performance in his third Grand National.
It's remarkable to think that after a novice chase season marked by mistakes in 2022/23, this horse would go on to become one of the Grand National's greats. Mullins's ability to prepare I Am Maximus for three consecutive campaigns, peaking at the right moment each year, is a testament to his exceptional skill.
Once the race began, it was all about the synergy between I Am Maximus and Paul Townend. Despite the horse's unorthodox jumping style, Townend's understanding and ability to adapt made all the difference.
The confidence Townend showed in both himself and I Am Maximus as the race heated up was truly impressive to watch. I Am Maximus's powerful finish, carrying top weight and a rating of 168, was sensational. While some might argue that the achievements of horses like Tiger Roll and I Am Maximus in recent years are not comparable to those of past legends like Red Rum, it's undeniable that their feats are just as impressive, if not more so, given the modern race's competitive and high-class nature.
The Grand National is no longer just a test of jumping ability but a race to find the best-handicapped horse on the day, with very few genuine outsiders in the field. The 2026 renewal, with its seven fallers and seven unseats, reminded us that despite changes to the course and field size, the race still holds plenty of uncertainty and drama. The effort to 'capture' loose horses in designed holding pens was evident, but several evaded these measures, adding to the tension throughout the race. While older viewers may hold onto their opinions about the modern Grand National, younger viewers who have only experienced this version are unlikely to feel short-changed by the excitement it offers.
The old Grand National may be gone, but what remains is still the most high-profile, high-risk, and exhilarating National Hunt race globally. Rather than longing for the past, let's appreciate the spectacle that the Grand National continues to be.