The 2026 Grand National has become a part of history, and what an event it was. The standout performance came from I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, marking a historic win as the first horse to reclaim the trophy since Red Rum. This achievement underscored Mullins' status as one of the greatest, given that I Am Maximus' potential was not always evident, particularly after his novice chase season in 2022/23. Mullins' ability to prepare the horse for three consecutive campaigns, peaking at the right moment each year, is a testament to his exceptional skill.
The partnership between I Am Maximus and Paul Townend was pivotal, with Townend adeptly handling the horse's unique jumping style. Their confidence and synergy were remarkable, especially considering the high stakes and the horse's top weight and rating of 168. The finish was nothing short of spectacular, sparking debate about the race's evolution. While traditionalists may argue that the modern Grand National lacks the jumping challenge of its predecessors, it has become a more competitive and high-class event.
The race now seeks to find the best-handicapped horse on the day, with very few genuine outsiders in the field. The achievements of I Am Maximus and Tiger Roll, in repeatedly overcoming massive and competitive fields, are truly noteworthy.
The 2026 renewal, with its seven fallers and seven unseats, reminded us that despite changes to the fences and field size, the Grand National still offers plenty of drama and uncertainty. The track's design includes measures to safely manage loose horses, but the presence of several loose horses added an element of tension throughout the race. While older viewers may cling to their perceptions of the traditional Grand National, younger spectators are likely to find the modern version exhilarating, especially given its billing as one of the most thrilling 10 minutes in sports. It's time to embrace the Grand National for what it has become – a high-risk, high-profile, and exhilarating National Hunt race that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.