I Am Maximus Makes Grand National History with Second Victory, Emulating Red Rum

I Am Maximus Makes Grand National History with Second Victory, Emulating Red Rum

I Am Maximus has made Grand National history by winning the Aintree showpiece for the second time, becoming the first horse since the legendary Red Rum in 1977 to regain the title, as trainer Willie Mullins secured his third consecutive Grand National victory and jockey Paul Townend added a National to his Gold Cup triumph.

Background

I Am Maximus, a 10-year-old bay gelding trained by Willie Mullins and owned by JP McManus, had previously won the Grand National in 2024 before finishing runner-up in 2025. His return to Aintree as the 9-2 favourite carried the weight of history — and the weight of 11st 12lbs as top weight — as he sought to emulate the legendary Red Rum.

Key Developments

I Am Maximus delivered a commanding performance to win the 2026 Grand National, finishing ahead of Iroko (second), Jordans (third), and Johnnywho (fourth). Remarkably, three of the top four finishers were owned by JP McManus, who with this victory became the leading owner in the history of the Grand National with four wins.

The race saw early drama, with Grangeclare West unseating jockey Patrick Mullins at the first fence and Panic Attack falling at the third. Sixteen of the 34 starting horses completed the race. Jockey Robbie Dunne was taken to hospital after falling from Stellar Story but was conscious and talking.

For trainer Willie Mullins, the victory was his third consecutive Grand National win and his fourth overall, making him the first trainer since Vincent O'Brien (1953-1955) to win three successive editions of the Aintree spectacular.

Jockey Paul Townend, who also won the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Gaelic Warrior earlier this season, described Grand Nationals and Gold Cups as "the pinnacle of the sport" and praised I Am Maximus as "tough" with a "superb engine."

Why It Matters

I Am Maximus's achievement in regaining the Grand National title — the first horse to do so since Red Rum nearly 50 years ago — is one of the most remarkable feats in the history of jump racing.

What's Next

I Am Maximus received a hero's welcome in Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow, following his victory. Read more at BBC Sport.