The 2026 Grand National has become a part of history, and what an event it was. One of the most remarkable performances in the Grand National was showcased by I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, as it became the first horse to reclaim the trophy since the legendary Red Rum. Mullins reinforced his status as one of the greatest by bringing I Am Maximus to his third Grand National, resulting in a career-best performance.
It's astonishing to think that after a novice chase season in 2022/23, where the horse struggled, Mullins could guide I Am Maximus to peak at the right moment, year after year, and maintain such enthusiasm. Once the preparation was complete and the runners were at the starting line, the focus shifted to the partnership between I Am Maximus and Paul Townend. The horse has a unique jumping style, but Townend understands and adapts to it, making the most of the situation.
Townend's confidence in himself and his horse was impressive, especially when the race intensified. I Am Maximus's powerful finish, despite carrying top weight and a rating of 168, was breathtaking.
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 remarkable, if not more so. The modern Grand National has evolved into a highly competitive and prestigious race, where the goal is to find the best-handicapped horse on the day, rather than just the best jumper or horse.
The 2026 renewal served as a reminder that despite changes to the track and reduced field sizes, the Grand National still offers a great deal of uncertainty and drama. The presence of seven fallers and seven unseats created a thrilling spectacle, with many favored horses exiting the race early.
While efforts have been made to improve safety, the 2026 Grand National showed that the race can still be unpredictable and captivating. Rather than clinging to the past, we should appreciate the modern Grand National for what it is - an exhilarating and high-risk National Hunt race that continues to be one of the most exciting sporting events in the world.