I Am Maximus Regains Grand National Title

In a historic moment at the 2026 Randox Grand National, I Am Maximus became the first horse to reclaim the title since the legendary Red Rum. The race was filled with early drama, including the separation of Grangeclare West from Patrick Mullins at the first fence and Panic Attack falling at the third. However, I Am Maximus, under the skilled hands of Paul Townend, navigated the course with familiarity, tracking the inside path. As the race unfolded, a bold move by Ben Jones on The Jukebox Man was overshadowed by the looming challenge of the JP McManus-owned favorite, which stormed home to win the race for the second time. This victory marked a record fourth win for McManus in the Grand National and a first for any owner to have the first two places. Jordans secured third place, followed by Johnnywho in fourth. Trainer Mullins, now a four-time National-winning handler, attributed the success to a good call by JP McManus to keep I Am Maximus in Aintree, feeling he was well handicapped. Mullins praised the horse as superb, noting that the most trouble he faced was from his stablemates. The win was executed perfectly by Paul Townend. Discussing the challenge of winning off top-weight, Mullins suggested that the modern-day National might be viewed differently. I Am Maximus's victory was a testament to his exceptional ability, with Mullins describing him as a superstar who remains unfazed and consistently delivers. When asked about the possibility of a historic third success next year, Mullins expressed hope that I Am Maximus would return, given JP McManus's keen interest in the National. Paul Townend, delighted with the outcome, described I Am Maximus as tough and willing to gallop to the end of the world. The use of cheekpieces was seen as beneficial in the middle part of the race. In another notable performance, Home By The Lee followed his Stayers' Hurdle success at the Cheltenham Festival with a dominant display in the Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle, completing a double last achieved by Sire du Berlais in 2023. Given an enterprising ride by J J Slevin, the 11-year-old veteran galloped to a seven-length success. Joseph O'Brien credited the horse as a star and attributed the win to a well-executed plan, which involved injecting pace down the back straight. The victory was a testament to the horse's great shape and the team's ability to adapt their tactics.