I Am Maximus Regains Grand National Title

I Am Maximus etched his name in the record books by becoming the first horse to regain the Grand National title since the legendary Red Rum. The 2026 Randox Grand National was filled with drama from the start, with last year's third-place finisher Grangeclare West and rider Patrick Mullins parting ways at the first fence, and Panic Attack falling at the third. I Am Maximus, guided by Paul Townend, stuck to the inside path he knows so well. As the race unfolded, Ben Jones made a bold move aboard The Jukebox Man, but the heavily-backed 9-2 favorite I Am Maximus surged forward after the final jump to claim his second Grand National title. This victory marked a record fourth win in the race for owner JP McManus, who also had his horse Iroko finish second. Trainer Willie Mullins, who joined the ranks of four-time National-winning handlers Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell, praised the horse and the ride, saying, 'He's a superb horse who got a fantastic ride.' When asked about the possibility of I Am Maximus emulating Red Rum with a third consecutive win, Mullins expressed hope that the horse would return next year, given JP McManus's enthusiasm for the National. Jockey Paul Townend described I Am Maximus as 'tough' and praised the cheekpieces that helped in the middle part of the race. In another notable performance, Home By The Lee followed up his Stayers' Hurdle success at the Cheltenham Festival with a dominant display in the Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle, giving Joseph O'Brien's 11-year-old a double victory.