The 2026 Grand National has become a part of history, and what an event it was. Amidst the chaos, a phenomenal performance emerged from I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, as the first horse 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 victory in his third Grand National. It's remarkable to consider that after a novice chase season marked by blunders in 2022/23, this horse would go on to become one of the Grand National's all-time greats. Mullins's ability to prepare I Am Maximus for three consecutive campaigns, peaking on the most crucial day and maintaining enthusiasm, is truly impressive.
Once the runners were at the starting line, the race became a testament to the partnership between I Am Maximus and Paul Townend. Townend's understanding of the horse's unique jumping style allowed him to make the most of it. The confidence Townend showed in himself and I Am Maximus as the race heated up was incredible to watch. I Am Maximus's powerful finish, carrying top weight and a rating of 168, was sensational.
While some may argue that the achievements of horses like Tiger Roll and I Am Maximus are not comparable to those of past greats like Red Rum, it's undeniable that their feats in the modern Grand National are just as, if not more, impressive. The modern race, with its reduced emphasis on jumping, has become a highly competitive and prestigious event.
It's no longer about finding the best jumper or horse, but rather the best-handicapped horse on the day, with very few genuine no-hopers in the field. I Am Maximus and Tiger Roll's repeated victories against massive and competitive fields are a testament to this. The 2024 and 2025 Grand Nationals were notable for their lack of fallers, unseats, and mayhem, which some perceived as either mercifully incident-free or a dull snooze fest. The 2026 renewal, however, reminded us that despite changes to the fences and field size, the modern Grand National still holds a great deal of uncertainty and potential for drama.
Seven fallers and seven unseats made for a dramatic spectacle, with many fancied horses giving their supporters only brief hope before exiting the race. While efforts have been made to 'capture' loose horses, several evaded these measures, adding to the sense of trepidation throughout the race.
Older viewers may still hold onto their opinions about the modern Grand National, but younger viewers who have only experienced the new version are unlikely to have felt short-changed by the excitement of the event. The old Grand National is truly a thing of the past, and it's time to stop romanticizing it. What remains is still the most high-profile, high-risk, and exhilarating National Hunt race globally. While some may choose to live in the past, the rest of us can enjoy the spectacle that the Grand National continues to be.