The 2026 Grand National has now been etched into the annals of racing history, and what a showdown it turned out to be. From the pandemonium that unfolded at Aintree emerged a performance that will be remembered as one of the most impressive in the event’s modern era.
It was I Am Maximus, trained by the legendary Willie Mullins and piloted by veteran jockey Paul Townend, who clinched the victory, becoming the first horse since the iconic Red Rum to recapture the trophy after a previous win. Mullins once again proved why many consider him the greatest of all time (GOAT) in National Hunt training. He guided I Am Maximus back to his third attempt at the National and coaxed a career‑best run that culminated in a decisive win.
If anyone had predicted that this gelding would evolve into a Grand National great after watching his clumsy novice chase season in 2022/23, they would have been met with skepticism. Yet Mullins orchestrated three successive campaigns that saw the horse peak precisely when it mattered most, each year returning with renewed vigor and a hunger to improve. When the gates opened last Saturday, the race boiled down to a seamless partnership between two individuals: I Am Maximus and Paul Townend. The horse possesses a distinctive jumping style, often taking an unconventional line over the fences.
Townend, however, has learned to read those idiosyncrasies and adapt his riding to suit the horse’s unique rhythm. Though Townend is no stranger to the National—having ridden in it many times—his composure that day was extraordinary.
As the field tightened and the pace quickened, he remained calm, positioning his mount perfectly and allowing I Am Maximus to unleash his finishing power. The final sprint was a showcase of raw strength.
Carrying top weight and bearing a rating of 168, I Am Maximus surged forward with a burst of speed that left spectators breathless. Traditionalists may scoff at the notion, but I contend that the achievements of recent champions like Tiger Roll and I Am Maximus are at least as demanding as those of historic legends such as Red Rum.
While the jumping challenges of the past were arguably more severe, the modern race compensates with a deeper, more competitive field, raising the overall standard of the contest. Today's Grand National is less a test of sheer jumping ability and more a trial of the best‑handicapped horse on the day. The era of the "no‑hopper"—a horse that could barely clear the fences—has largely vanished. Consequently, horses that can combine stamina, speed, and reliable jumping, like I Am Maximus, stand out.
Their repeated success against increasingly strong fields underscores their exceptional quality. Looking back, the 2024 and 2025 renewals were notable for their unusually low number of falls and unseated riders. Opinions on those editions were polarized: some praised the safety record, while others dismissed the races as dull, arguing they lacked the drama that defined the event’s heritage. The 2026 running, however, reminded everyone that despite altered fences and a trimmed field, the National still harbors unpredictability and excitement.
Seven horses fell and another seven were unseated, creating a roller‑coaster of hope and disappointment for many connections. Track designers have introduced specially engineered holding pens to capture loose horses, yet several stragglers slipped past these safeguards, adding an extra layer of tension throughout the race. This blend of controlled safety measures and lingering chaos kept spectators on edge from start to finish. Older fans may continue to debate the merits of the modern version versus the historic spectacle, but younger viewers—who have only known the contemporary format—are unlikely to feel short‑changed.
If they have been promised that the Grand National delivers ten minutes of pure sporting excitement, the 2026 edition delivered exactly that, with heart‑stopping moments at every turn. In truth, the “old” Grand National has been a memory for decades now. It’s time we stop romanticising an era that no longer exists (guilty as charged).
What remains is still the premier, high‑risk, high‑reward National Hunt contest on the planet. While some will cling to nostalgia, they are free to do so. The rest of us can appreciate the race for what it is today: a thrilling, world‑class event that continues to capture the imagination of racing fans worldwide.