The 2026 Grand National has become a part of history, and what an extraordinary event it was. The standout performance came from I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, as he made history by becoming the first horse to reclaim the trophy since the legendary Red Rum.
Mullins once again solidified his status as one of the greatest by guiding I Am Maximus to his third Grand National, where he delivered a career-defining victory. It's remarkable to think that after his novice chase season in 2022/23, where he struggled, few would have believed he'd become one of the Grand National greats. Mullins's ability to prepare him for three consecutive campaigns, peaking each time on the most important day and maintaining such enthusiasm, is truly exceptional.
Once the race began, it was all about the partnership between I Am Maximus and Paul Townend. Despite the horse's unorthodox jumping style, Townend has mastered the art of handling him, making the most of his unique approach to fences. Townend's confidence in both himself and I Am Maximus was awe-inspiring, especially as the race intensified. The power and speed I Am Maximus displayed in the finish, carrying top weight and a rating of 168, was breathtaking.
While some might argue that the achievements of horses like Tiger Roll and I Am Maximus in recent years don't compare to those of past legends like Red Rum, it's undeniable that their feats are equally, if not more, impressive. The modern Grand National, with its reduced emphasis on jumping and increased competitiveness, presents a different kind of challenge.
It's no longer just about finding the best jumper or horse, but about identifying the best-handicapped horse on the day, with very few genuine outsiders in the field. The ability of I Am Maximus and Tiger Roll to consistently outperform such strong and large fields is a testament to their exceptional quality.
The 2024 and 2025 Grand Nationals were notable for their lack of fallers and mayhem, which some saw as a welcome change, while others found it dull and unrepresentative of the race's heritage. The 2026 renewal, however, reminded us that despite changes to the course and field size, the Grand National still holds plenty of unpredictability and drama. With seven fallers and seven unseats, the race was filled with tension, as many fancied horses briefly showed promise before being eliminated. Efforts to capture loose horses in specially designed pens were somewhat effective, but several evaded these measures, adding to the sense of unease throughout the race.
While older viewers may cling to their opinions about the modern Grand National, younger viewers who have only experienced this version are unlikely to feel shortchanged by the excitement it offers. The old Grand National may be gone, but what remains is still the most thrilling and high-risk National Hunt race globally. Rather than yearning for the past, we should embrace and enjoy the spectacle that the Grand National continues to be.