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, in the 2026 Randox Grand National. The race, filled with early drama, saw I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend, track the inside path, ultimately leading to a record fourth win for owner JP McManus. McManus also achieved another first, with his horse Iroko coming in second, making him the first owner to have the first two horses in the race. Trainer Willie Mullins, now a four-time National-winning handler, praised the horse, saying, "He's a superb horse who got a fantastic ride and I think the most trouble he got was from his stablemates and his co-pilots, they didn't give him much room." Mullins added, "It is hard to win off top-weight, but maybe the modern-day National is changing and we're looking at it a bit differently." I Am Maximus, the 9-2 favorite, stormed home after the final jump, securing the win. Townend described the horse as "tough" and praised the use of cheekpieces, which helped in the middle part of the race. In another notable performance, Home By The Lee dominated the Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle, following up his Stayers' Hurdle success at the Cheltenham Festival with a seven-length victory.