This victory marks Paul Townend’s second Grand National win in just three years, as he previously triumphed in 2024. I Am Maximus was the 9-2 favorite going into the race, a testament to the horse’s strong performance and Townend’s skill as a jockey.

JP McManus, the owner of I Am Maximus, celebrated his fourth Grand National win, making him the most successful owner in the race’s storied history. This achievement places him alongside notable figures in horse racing, further enhancing his legacy.

Trainer Willie Mullins also rejoiced in this victory, marking his fourth Grand National win. Mullins joins the ranks of esteemed trainers like Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell, solidifying his status in the sport.

Reflecting on the race, Townend expressed his admiration for I Am Maximus, stating, “He’s tough, isn’t he? He’ll gallop to the end of the world for you.” This sentiment highlights the bond between horse and rider, which is crucial in such high-stakes competitions.

Despite the triumph, Townend faced criticism earlier in the season for not pulling up his mount Gold Dancer after a significant mistake at the final fence in a previous race. However, his performance in the Grand National has helped to restore his reputation.

JP McManus remarked on the significance of the Grand National, saying, “The Grand National is something very special and there is such a tradition with it.” This statement underscores the race’s importance in the UK and its cultural significance.

Willie Mullins described the victory as “extraordinary” and expressed his delight, stating, “You could never dream of doing something like this.” His reaction reflects the emotional weight of such a prestigious win.

As the racing community looks ahead, observers anticipate that I Am Maximus will continue to be a formidable competitor in future races, especially after his impressive performance this year. The legacy of the Grand National continues to grow, with each race adding to its rich history.

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Trained by Willie Mullins, I Am Maximus’s win marks a significant achievement for the trainer, who has now become the first to win three consecutive Grand Nationals since the legendary Vincent O’Brien in 1955. Mullins expressed his pride, stating, “This horse is just a superstar. Nothing fazes him and does what he has to do – runs, jumps and wins Nationals.”

The race was not without its challenges, as it was disrupted by loose horses and falls, yet I Am Maximus showcased remarkable resilience. Jockey Paul Townend, who rode I Am Maximus, praised the horse’s toughness, saying, “He’s tough. He’s a really, really good horse… What a horse.”

JP McManus, the owner of I Am Maximus, celebrated his fourth Grand National win, making him the first owner to achieve this milestone. He remarked, “It’s a very special day… The Grand National is something very special,” highlighting the significance of the event in the world of horse racing.

In the 2026 Grand National, Iroko finished in second place, followed by Jordans in third and Johnnywho in fourth. I Am Maximus’s official rating stands at an impressive 168, a testament to his exceptional performance in this challenging race that features 30 fences.

This victory is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time since 1977 that a horse has won the Grand National in non-consecutive years, with I Am Maximus previously claiming the title in 2024. His ability to return to the winner’s circle after two years speaks volumes about his talent and the skill of his connections.

As the dust settles on this thrilling race, observers are eager to see what the future holds for I Am Maximus and his team. With such a remarkable track record, many are left wondering if he will continue to dominate the sport or if new challengers will emerge in the coming seasons. Details remain unconfirmed.

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With a total of 34 runners in the race, only 16 managed to complete the course. I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, was the race favorite at 9/2 odds, following a second-place finish in the previous year’s Grand National.

In a remarkable achievement, Willie Mullins became the first trainer to win three successive Grand Nationals since Vincent O’Brien. Meanwhile, owner JP McManus celebrated his fourth win in the Grand National, making him the most successful owner in the event’s history.

Iroko finished in second place, while Jordans and Johnnywho claimed third and fourth, respectively. The performance of I Am Maximus not only solidifies his status but also places him among the legends of the sport.

Reflecting on the victory, Willie Mullins remarked, “It was a good call from JP, I’d been going down the Gold Cup route with him, but he said to stay in Aintree with him as he felt he was well handicapped.”

Paul Townend expressed his admiration for the horse, stating, “He’s tough, isn’t he? He’ll gallop to the end of the world for you.” The anticipation for next year’s race is already building, with Mullins adding, “Hopefully he’ll be here next year, JP is very keen on the National for I Am Maximus, he says he loves the place and jumps the fences so well.”

I Am Maximus is now considered “Aintree royalty,” a title that reflects his impressive achievements and the legacy he is building in the world of horse racing.

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JP McManus’s horse, Fact To File, has been withdrawn from the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival due to unsuitable ground conditions. This decision has significant implications for the race, as Fact To File was the odds-on favourite and had previously excelled in the same event, winning the race last year by nine lengths.

The ground at Cheltenham was officially described as good, good to soft in places. However, trainer Willie Mullins expressed frustration over the conditions, stating, “These horses are too hard to find, too hard to get. In jump racing we want to have soft in the description of the ground.” He noted that the course had not been adequately watered as promised, leading to the decision to withdraw.

Mullins further elaborated on the situation, saying, “I walked it, coming across the track… I said, ‘wow, this ground is going to be too good for her,’ sure enough, she wasn’t able to act on it.” This sentiment was echoed by JP McManus, who remarked, “I found it, too much for him, I was a bit, part of the course, altogether, not to my liking.”

The Ryanair Chase was scheduled to take place at 4:00pm GMT, covering a distance of two miles and four and a half furlongs. Following Fact To File’s withdrawal, Heart Wood emerged victorious in the race.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential future races for Fact To File, as the team evaluates the horse’s readiness based on ground conditions. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges trainers and owners face in ensuring optimal racing conditions for their horses.

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“We waited all day for rain that was half-promised, so we made the decision not to run,” stated trainer Willie Mullins regarding the unexpected withdrawal of Fact To File from the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Fact To File, who won the Ryanair Chase in 2025 by an impressive nine lengths, was the evens favorite to repeat that success this year. However, the ground conditions, described as Good to Soft, prompted Mullins to reconsider the horse’s participation.

Owner JP McManus expressed his trust in Mullins’s judgment, saying, “I left it to Willy, but I can overrule him.” This reflects the close working relationship between the trainer and owner, especially in high-stakes situations like the Cheltenham Festival.

Following the withdrawal, Heart Wood went on to win the Ryanair Chase, further highlighting the competitive nature of the event. The race is a Grade 1 competition for horses aged five years and older, making it a prestigious part of the festival.

During the first two days of the 2026 Festival, two horses tragically died, raising concerns about the safety and conditions of the racing environment. Mullins noted, “The ground is not good enough. If the ground is going to be like this we’re not going to bring them,” emphasizing the importance of suitable conditions for the horses’ welfare.

Fact To File was the only horse withdrawn by Mullins on that day, which adds to the significance of the decision. The trainer has a remarkable record at the Cheltenham Festival, having trained 118 winners, making him the most successful trainer in its history.

As the festival continues, the focus will now shift to the remaining competitors and their performances on the challenging ground. The decision to withdraw Fact To File underscores the complexities trainers face when balancing the health of their horses with the demands of competition.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further developments or the potential return of Fact To File in future races.

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JP McManus celebrated his 75th birthday on March 10, 2026, in grand style at the Cheltenham Festival, where he achieved a remarkable 208-1 handicap double. This achievement not only highlights his enduring presence in the horse racing world but also adds to his legacy as the most successful owner at Cheltenham, with a total of 86 festival successes.

Key Victories

Among the standout performances was the victory of Johnnywho in the Ultima Handicap Chase, where he was priced at 18-1. This win was particularly significant for jockey Richie McLernon, who celebrated his first festival win in 12 years. McLernon expressed his joy, stating, “It was tough being out through injury, but thanks to everybody in the NHS in Gloucester. I had a great operation there.” His return to form was a highlight of the day.

Additional Wins and Notable Performances

Another notable victory for McManus was Saratoga, who won the McCoy Juvenile Hurdle. The performance of Jagwar, the 3-1 favorite in the Ultima Handicap Chase, also drew attention, showcasing the strength of McManus’s horses this year. Sir Anthony McCoy remarked that this is the best squad McManus has sent to Cheltenham, further emphasizing the significance of this year’s festival.

Other Competitors and Highlights

In addition to McManus’s successes, trainer Nicky Henderson saw his horse Old Park Star win the Skybet Supreme Novices Hurdle, contributing to a day filled with competitive racing. The atmosphere at Cheltenham was electric, with McManus’s horses often priced at 4/1 and under for several races, indicating the high expectations surrounding them.

Reflections on a Remarkable Career

JP McManus’s achievements at Cheltenham are a testament to his dedication and passion for horse racing. His ability to consistently field winning horses at such a prestigious event has solidified his status in the racing community. As he celebrated this milestone birthday, the victories served as a fitting tribute to his long-standing influence in the sport.

Looking Ahead

While the celebrations continue, the future remains bright for McManus and his team. With the success of his horses at this year’s festival, there is much anticipation for what lies ahead in the racing season. The performance of McManus’s horses raises expectations for upcoming events, and fans are eager to see how they will fare in future competitions.

JP McManus’s 75th birthday at Cheltenham was marked by significant victories and a celebration of his illustrious career in horse racing. As he continues to make his mark, the racing world watches closely for further developments from this legendary owner.

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