I Am Maximus Regains Grand National Title

In a dramatic 2026 Randox Grand National, I Am Maximus etched his name in the history books by becoming the first horse to regain the title since the legendary Red Rum. The race was marked by early drama, including the fall of last year's third-place finisher Grangeclare West and Panic Attack. However, I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend, tracked the inside path to perfection and stormed home to win the race for a 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. Jordans took third place, with Johnnywho finishing fourth. Trainer Willie Mullins, who joined the ranks of four-time National-winning handlers alongside Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell, praised I Am Maximus, saying, 'He's a superb horse who got a fantastic ride.' Mullins also credited owner JP McManus for making the right call in keeping the horse at Aintree. Townend, the jockey, described I Am Maximus as 'tough' and said the cheekpieces helped the horse in the middle part of the race. 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 J J Slevin.