The latest edition of the Grand National has been etched into the annals of history, and what an event it was. Emerging from the chaos was a phenomenal performance by I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, as the horse became the first to reclaim the trophy since the legendary Red Rum. Mullins reinforced his status as one of the greatest by guiding I Am Maximus to a career-best effort in his third Grand National victory. It's remarkable to think that after a novice chase season in 2022/23, where the horse struggled, Mullins has masterminded three consecutive campaigns that have seen I Am Maximus peak at the most crucial moment and retain his enthusiasm.
With Mullins's meticulous preparation complete and the runners assembled at the start, the focus shifted to the synergy between I Am Maximus and Paul Townend. The horse has an unorthodox jumping style, but Townend has developed an understanding of it, making the most of the unique shapes I Am Maximus creates over fences. Townend, a seasoned veteran of this race, demonstrated unwavering confidence in himself and his horse, waiting patiently as the race intensified. The power-packed finish I Am Maximus produced under top weight and a rating of 168 was nothing short of breathtaking.
While some may argue that the achievements of horses like Tiger Roll and I Am Maximus in recent times are not on par with those of legends like Red Rum, it's undeniable that their feats are just as impressive, if not more so. The modern Grand National has evolved into a highly competitive and elite race, where the jumping test, although less demanding than in the past, is compensated by the depth of talent in the field.
This is no longer a race that solely rewards the best jumper or horse, but rather the best-handicapped horse on the day, with very few genuine outsiders. The ability of I Am Maximus and Tiger Roll to consistently overcome massive and competitive fields is a testament to their exceptional quality. The 2024 and 2025 Grand Nationals were notable for their lack of fallers, unseats, and chaos, eliciting a range of reactions from relief to boredom.
The 2026 renewal, however, served as a reminder that despite changes to the track and reduced field sizes, the modern Grand National still retains an air of unpredictability and drama. Seven fallers and seven unseats created a captivating spectacle, with many fancied horses offering their supporters only fleeting hope before exiting the race. Efforts have been made to 'capture' loose horses in specially designed holding pens, but several evaded these measures, adding an element of trepidation throughout the race. While older viewers may cling to their opinions about the modern Grand National, younger viewers who have only experienced the new version are unlikely to have felt shortchanged by the excitement of the event.
The old Grand National is a relic of the past, and it's time to stop romanticizing it. Instead, let's appreciate the high-risk, high-reward nature of the modern National Hunt race, which remains one of the most exhilarating sporting spectacles on the planet.