I Am Maximus has made history by winning the Grand National in 2026, becoming the first horse since Red Rum to regain the prestigious title. The race, held at Aintree on April 11, saw I Am Maximus, the 9-2 favorite, carry a weight of 11st 12lbs to victory, further solidifying his status as a champion.
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.