The 2026 edition of the Grand National has now been written into the annals of racing history, and what a spectacular showdown it turned out to be. From the chaos that erupted at Aintree emerged a performance that will be remembered for years to come: I Am Maximus, trained by the legendary Willie Mullins and piloted by the experienced jockey Paul Townend, secured a victory that marks the first time a horse has reclaimed the trophy since the iconic Red Rum did it decades ago.
Mullins, already hailed by many as the greatest of all time in National Hunt training, cemented his reputation by guiding I Am Maximus back to Aintree for a third attempt and delivering a career‑best win. It is hard to imagine that, just a few seasons earlier, the same horse was stumbling through his novice chase campaign in 2022/23.
At that point, few observers could have predicted that the gelding would evolve into a Grand National contender capable of matching the feats of the race’s most storied champions. What makes Mullins' achievement even more impressive is the consistency he has shown across three successive seasons. Each year he has managed to peak his stable’s preparations at precisely the right moment, ensuring that his horses arrive at the starting line in optimal condition. Moreover, his enthusiasm for the event never wanes; he continually seeks to improve his methods and bring a better horse to the field, a dedication that is rare in a sport where many settle for past successes.
On the day of the race, once the field was assembled and the final checks were completed, the narrative boiled down to a partnership between two individuals operating as a single unit: I Am Maximus and his rider, Paul Townend. The horse possesses a distinctive jumping style—sometimes unconventional, often appearing to take an odd line over the fences—but Townend has learned to read those idiosyncrasies and adapt his riding accordingly. His experience in the National, and specifically in the Grand National, gave him the confidence to stay composed even as the race intensified, a composure that was evident when he chose to settle the horse rather than push prematurely.
The finish was a display of raw power and stamina. Carrying top weight and bearing a rating of 168, I Am Maximus surged forward in the final stages, producing a finish that many spectators described as "power‑packed". Traditionalists may scoff at the notion, arguing that the modern race lacks the sheer jumping difficulty of the past, yet the reality is that contemporary Grand Nationals have become fiercely competitive, attracting higher‑class horses than ever before.
The challenge today is less about sheer jumping prowess and more about being the best‑handicapped horse on the day—a subtle but significant shift in the race’s character. In recent years, horses like Tiger Roll and now I Am Maximus have demonstrated that navigating a field of elite competitors while carrying substantial weight is an accomplishment that rivals, if not exceeds, the feats of historic champions such as Red Rum. While the old fences of the 1970s demanded a different type of bravery, the modern course, with its reduced fence heights and smaller fields, has turned the contest into a test of speed, stamina, and tactical acumen. The race no longer serves as a pure jumping showdown; instead, it rewards the horse that can combine endurance, agility, and the ability to handle a demanding handicap.
The 2024 and 2025 renewals of the Grand National were notable for their relative lack of falls and unseated riders. Some fans praised the smoother, safer races, while others lamented what they perceived as a loss of the chaotic excitement that once defined the event. Opinions were polarized, with few middle grounds.
The 2026 race, however, reminded everyone that despite changes to the fences and a trimmed field size, the Grand National still possesses an inherent unpredictability. Seven horses fell and another seven were unseated, creating a dramatic spectacle that kept spectators on edge.
Many of the pre‑race favorites offered only fleeting moments of hope before being eliminated, underscoring the race’s unforgiving nature. Track designers have introduced specially engineered holding pens to capture loose horses and mitigate the risk of them running loose across the course. Nevertheless, a handful of horses managed to evade these safety measures, adding a layer of tension that persisted throughout the event. The presence of these wayward runners contributed to the overall sense of drama and highlighted the ongoing balance between safety innovations and the traditional thrill of the chase.
Older fans may continue to debate the merits of the modern Grand National versus its historic counterpart, but younger viewers—those whose only experience of the race comes from the recent, more regulated format—are unlikely to feel short‑changed. For them, the race delivered what promoters promise: a ten‑minute burst of high‑octane sport that captivates even the most casual observer. The excitement, the close finishes, and the sheer spectacle of a well‑run handicap race provide ample entertainment, regardless of whether the fences are as daunting as they once were. In truth, the "old" Grand National has been gone for decades; the race has evolved, and the nostalgia for a bygone era often clouds objective assessment.
While it is natural to reminisce about the past, clinging to an idealised version of the race does a disservice to the present. Today’s Grand National remains the premier, high‑risk, high‑reward event in National Hunt racing worldwide. It continues to attract the best trainers, jockeys, and horses, delivering a blend of tradition and modern competition that is unmatched in the sport.
There will always be a segment of the audience that prefers to dwell in memory, cherishing the legends of Red Rum, Red Alligator, and other historic heroes. Their sentiment is valid, and the sport benefits from that reverence.
However, the broader racing community should celebrate what remains: a thrilling, world‑class contest that showcases the very best of equine athleticism and human skill. The modern Grand National may differ in appearance from the races of the 1960s and 1970s, but it retains the core essence of a high‑stakes chase that tests stamina, strategy, and courage. As we look ahead, let us appreciate the evolution, honour the achievements of horses like I Am Maximus, and enjoy the spectacle that continues to define one of sport’s most electrifying ten‑minute moments.