In a performance defined by raw power and tactical patience, I Am Maximus regains Grand National glory, becoming the first horse since the legendary Red Rum in the 1970s to win the grueling Aintree steeplechase, lose his crown, and then reclaim it.
The 9/2 favorite cemented his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats on Saturday, producing a devastating turn of foot in the closing stages to secure his second victory. After winning the race in 2024 and finishing a close second to Nick Rockett in 2025, the dual winner joins an elite circle of horses to have conquered the four-and-a-quarter-mile test more than once, placing him alongside the modern icon Tiger Roll.
The victory was a masterclass in navigation. While the early stages of the race were marred by chaos—including Grangeclare West unseating at the first and the favored mare Panic Attack falling at the third—I Am Maximus remained composed. By hugging the inside rail and avoiding the early skirmishes, he preserved the stamina required for the final assault.
Coming from well back in the field, I Am Maximus accelerated with precision toward the winning post. He surged past the bold-running Jordans, who had led three fences out under Ben Jones before fading, and held off a determined challenge from fellow JP McManus runner Iroko, who finished second at 18-1.
A Legacy of Dominance at Aintree
The win marks a historic milestone for the connections behind the horse. Trainer Willie Mullins has now equaled the record for the most Grand National wins, taking his tally to four. This feat places him in the company of the legendary Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell, further establishing Mullins as the premier architect of modern steeplechasing.
For owner JP McManus, the victory further solidifies his position as the most successful owner in the history of the race. With four wins—including Don’t Push It, Minella Times, and two with I Am Maximus—McManus saw three of his horses finish in the top four this year.
“He’s so good, he’s got such an engine, he’d gallop to the end of the world for you. I’m privileged to have anything to do with him,” jockey Paul Townend said. “It is right up there, it is Grand National and Gold Cups, they are the pinnacle of our sport and I’ve got them both.”
Mullins, who also trained this year’s Gold Cup winner Gaelic Warrior, noted that despite his success, the race remains the ultimate ambition for anyone in the industry. He observed that winning off top weight is an immense challenge, suggesting that the nature of the modern National may be evolving.
“It is the first race we all watch on television, it is the one we all aspire to win when we go into racing,” Mullins said. “He is just a superstar, nothing phases him, he comes out and does what he has to do, jumps gallops and wins nationals.”
Comparing the Greats
The rarity of regaining the title cannot be overstated. While several horses have won the race twice, the specific sequence of winning, losing, and winning again is a feat that had not been seen since the era of Red Rum, the most famous name in the history of the Aintree racecourse.
| Horse | Wins | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Red Rum | 3 | First to win three times (1970s) |
| Tiger Roll | 2 | Consecutive winner (2019, 2020) |
| I Am Maximus | 2 | First since Red Rum to regain the title |
The Cost of the Ultimate Test
Despite the sporting triumph, the race served as a stark reminder of the inherent risks of the Grand National. While organizers have implemented significant safety changes in recent years—including modifications to fence sizes to reduce the severity of falls—the event remains a brutal test of stamina and jumping.
The 2026 running saw a significant spike in incidents. Of the 34 starters, only 16 completed the course. Seven horses fell, the highest number of fallers recorded since at least 2015, compared to three in 2025 and none in 2024.
This increase in accidents has reignited fierce criticism from animal rights activists. The controversy was deepened by the recording of two fatalities during the 2026 meeting, leading to renewed calls for the race to be fundamentally restructured or abolished.
The fatalities were documented in reports by Reuters, highlighting the ongoing tension between the race’s cultural prestige and the ethical concerns regarding equine welfare.
As the racing world celebrates the brilliance of I Am Maximus and the tactical genius of Willie Mullins, the sport faces a continuing dialogue on how to preserve the tradition of the world’s most famous steeplechase while ensuring the highest possible standards of safety for the animals that make it possible.
The racing calendar now turns toward the summer break, with officials expected to review the 2026 safety data before announcing updated protocols for the next season’s jumps campaign.
Do you consider the Grand National’s traditions outweigh the safety risks, or is it time for a total overhaul? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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