The 2026 Grand National has been etched into the history books, and what an event it was. The standout performance came from I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, as the horse made history by becoming the first to reclaim the trophy since the legendary Red Rum.
This achievement underscored Mullins's status as one of the greatest, as he masterminded I Am Maximus's third Grand National campaign, resulting in a career-best performance. It's astounding to think that after a novice chase season marked by blunders in 2022/23, this horse would go on to become one of the Grand National greats. Mullins's ability to prepare I Am Maximus for three consecutive campaigns, peaking on the most crucial day and maintaining the horse's enthusiasm, is truly remarkable. Once the runners assembled at the start, the focus shifted to the symbiotic partnership between I Am Maximus and Paul Townend.
The horse has a unique jumping style, but Townend has learned to adapt, making the most of I Am Maximus's unorthodox approach to fences. Townend's confidence in himself and his horse was palpable, even by his high standards, as he sat patiently while the race intensified. I Am Maximus's powerful finish, carrying top weight and a rating of 168, was breathtaking.
While some may argue that the achievements of horses like Tiger Roll and I Am Maximus in recent times do not compare to those of past legends like Red Rum, it's undeniable that their feats are equally, if not more, impressive. The modern Grand National has evolved into a more competitive and high-class event, where the goal is to find the best-handicapped horse on the day, rather than solely the best jumper or horse.
The 2026 renewal served as a reminder that, despite changes to the fences and field size, the Grand National still harbors a great deal of uncertainty and potential for drama. Seven fallers and seven unseats created a captivating spectacle, with many highly fancied horses exiting the race prematurely.
The track's design attempts to 'capture' loose horses in specially designed holding pens, but several evaded these measures, adding an air of tension throughout the race. While older viewers may cling to their perceptions of the traditional Grand National, younger viewers who have only experienced the modern version are unlikely to have felt shortchanged by the excitement of the 2026 event.
It's time to acknowledge that the old Grand National is a relic of the past, and instead, we should embrace what remains – one of the most exhilarating National Hunt races globally. Let us appreciate the evolution of this iconic sporting spectacle, rather than longing for a bygone era.