At Aintree on Saturday, the 2026 Randox Grand National produced a performance of rare authority as I Am Maximus returned to the summit, confirming his place among the race’s modern greats with a second victory in the world’s most demanding steeplechase.
I Am Maximus Grand National 2026
Carrying a top weight of 11st 12lb — the highest successfully borne this century — the Willie Mullins-trained chaser combined stamina, precision, and resilience to outlast a deep field over the extended four miles and two and a half furlongs. Ridden with notable composure by Paul Townend, he was never hurried into contention, instead finding a smooth rhythm before asserting from the Elbow to secure a decisive success.
In doing so, I Am Maximus became the first dual winner of the race since Tiger Roll and only the ninth horse in history to claim the Grand National twice. More significantly, he joined an elite group of four to have regained the crown, alongside The Lamb, Manifesto, and the legendary Red Rum.
The victory also carried wider historical weight. Owner JP McManus registered a fourth success in the race, while Mullins equalled the long-standing training record of four wins — matching the achievements of Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell.
Townend, reflecting on the ride, emphasised both the horse’s durability and intelligence. “He’s tough, isn’t he. The cheekpieces helped him through the middle of the race, and once we got into a rhythm, I was happy. I wasn’t going chasing too early — I just wanted a lead and let him find his way into it.”
He added: “He’s a really, really good horse. He’s got such an engine and would gallop forever for you. I’m privileged to be associated with him. These are the races that define a career.”
For Mullins, whose team continues to dominate the staying chase division, the decision to target Aintree rather than the Cheltenham Gold Cup proved pivotal. “It was JP’s call to come here, and he was right,” the trainer admitted. “It’s very hard to win carrying top weight, but perhaps the modern National is evolving. He’s just a superstar — nothing fazes him.”
The race itself unfolded at a searching tempo, with several contenders attempting to force the issue early. However, Townend resisted the temptation to engage too soon, allowing his mount to travel within himself before delivering a sustained challenge. Once in front, I Am Maximus displayed the same relentless gallop that had defined his first success, drawing clear in the closing stages.
Behind him, the field was stretched by the demands of the contest, with several prominent runners unable to sustain their effort over the closing fences. The testing nature of the Aintree circuit once again underscored the exceptional stamina required to prevail.
This latest triumph not only confirms I Am Maximus as the outstanding staying chaser of his generation but also reinforces the enduring allure of the Grand National — a race where history, endurance, and equine brilliance continue to converge.
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