I Am Maximus achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Randox Grand National at Aintree, following in the footsteps of the iconic Red Rum. The heavily backed 9-2 favorite secured victory after a substantial £100,000 bet at 8-1 odds, resulting in an £800,000 payout for an undisclosed bettor.
Trained by Willie Mullins, I Am Maximus had previously triumphed in the 2024 race and finished as the runner-up the year before. His victory marked the first time since Red Rum’s historic win in 1977 that a horse had reclaimed the prestigious title.
Under jockey Paul Townend’s guidance, I Am Maximus overtook Jordans in the final stretch to secure the win, leading a one-two-four finish for horses owned by JP McManus. This victory marked Mullins’s third consecutive Grand National win, placing him in the company of racing legends Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell.
Townend credited the use of cheekpieces for aiding his performance during the race, highlighting the horse’s determination despite not traveling as energetically as in previous races. His strategic decision to ride I Am Maximus over other Mullins-trained horses proved to be the right choice, especially after one of the contenders fell early in the race.
Reflecting on the win, McManus expressed pride in the horse’s performance and credited Townend for an exceptional ride. He emphasized the horse’s suitability for the National and praised his resilience and agility on the course.
Despite early exits by other contenders like Panic Attack, the race remained competitive until Jordans briefly surged ahead before eventually succumbing to fatigue. Mullins commended the teamwork between horse and rider and acknowledged the challenges of winning with top weight.
As the celebrations ensued, McManus revealed that he had placed a bet on I Am Maximus, adding to the excitement of the day’s events. The Grand National results showcased I Am Maximus as the champion, with Iroko, Jordans, and Johnnywho following closely behind in the rankings.