Ridden once again by jockey Paul Townend and trained by Willie Mullins, the 10-year-old entered the race as a 9-2 favourite and justified that status with a composed performance over the demanding fences, finishing strongly ahead of challengers including Iroko, Jordans, Johnnywho and High Class Hero.
The victory marked a significant milestone for connections, with Mullins praising the gelding’s temperament and consistency in one of racing’s most unforgiving tests. He described the horse as “a superstar” who remains unfazed by the unique pressures of the Aintree spectacle, adding hope that the horse could return for another tilt at the race next year.
The win places I Am Maximus among only a small group of horses to win the Grand National more than once, becoming the eighth to achieve the feat. It also came after a runner-up finish in the previous edition, reinforcing a consistent presence at the top level of the marathon contest. The most recent back-to-back winner before this era was Tiger Roll, who completed successive victories in 2018 and 2019.
The result also extended a dominant run for trainer Willie Mullins, who secured a third consecutive Grand National win and the fourth of his career, further strengthening his legacy in the sport’s most demanding event. Owner JP McManus also celebrated a record fourth win in the race, continuing a long association with major National success.
Beyond individual achievements, the race once again highlighted the extreme endurance required at Aintree, where 34 horses tackled 30 fences in a contest widely regarded as one of the toughest in global horse racing. Only 16 runners managed to complete the course, underscoring both the difficulty and unpredictability of the event.
Historically, the Grand National has produced few repeat champions, making I Am Maximus’ latest victory a notable addition to the race’s storied legacy and reinforcing its reputation as a defining test of stamina, jumping ability and resilience.