I Am Maximus Regains Grand National Title

In a historic moment, I Am Maximus became the first horse to reclaim the Grand National title since the iconic Red Rum, marking a remarkable achievement in the 2026 Randox Grand National. The race was filled with early drama, including the fall of last year's third-place finisher, Grangeclare West, and Panic Attack at the third fence. I Am Maximus, skillfully ridden by Paul Townend, tracked the inside path he knows so well. As the race unfolded, a bold bid was made by Ben Jones on The Jukebox Man, but the heavily-backed 9-2 favorite, I Am Maximus, stormed home to win the race for the second time, having also finished second the previous year. This victory marked a record fourth win in the Grand National for owner JP McManus, who also saw his horse Iroko finish second, a first for one owner to have the top two finishers in the race. Jordans took third place, followed by Johnnywho in fourth. Trainer Willie Mullins, who joined the ranks of four-time National-winning handlers alongside Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell, praised the horse, saying, 'He's a superb horse who got a fantastic ride.' Mullins noted that the decision to keep I Am Maximus in the Grand National rather than pursuing the Gold Cup route was made by JP McManus, and it proved to be a winning strategy. Townend described I Am Maximus as 'tough' and capable of galloping to the end of the world. 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, winning by seven lengths under an enterprising ride by J J Slevin.