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I Am Maximus has made history by becoming the first horse since Red Rum in 1977 to reclaim the Grand National title, marking a significant achievement for trainer Willie Mullins, who celebrated his third consecutive triumph at Aintree. Entering the race as the 9-2 favourite, I Am Maximus, who was last year’s runner-up, secured victory ahead of competitors Iroko, Jordans, and Johnnywho.
This win not only gave Mullins his fourth overall Grand National success but also made him the first trainer since Vincent O’Brien, who won the event three years running from 1953 to 1955, to achieve a hat-trick of victories. Owner JP McManus enhanced his record as the race’s most successful proprietor with four wins, adding to previous successes with Don’t Push It in 2010, Minella Times in 2021, and now I Am Maximus in 2024.
Remarkably, McManus owns three of the top four finishers, with Jordans being the only top contender not from his stable. I Am Maximus also set another record by becoming the first horse to win the Grand National carrying the top weight (11st 12lbs) since Red Rum’s 1974 victory when he carried 12 stone. This feat underlined the endurance and strength of the horse, further cementing his place in racing history.
Jockey Paul Townend expressed his pride and admiration after the race, saying, “He’s tough. He’s a really, really good horse, and although Grangeclare West and Nick Rockett looked good in training, this lad wasn’t telling me not to ride him. He is so good and has such an engine. He will gallop to the end of the world for you. I am really privileged. What a horse. Grand Nationals and Gold Cups are the pinnacle of the sport and I have them both.” The race also featured some dramatic moments early on, including the unseating of Patrick Mullins on Grangeclare West and the fall of Panic Attack at the third fence. Of the 34 starters, 16 completed the course, with some horses requiring veterinary attention after falls. Meanwhile, trainer Dan Skelton enjoyed success on the day with wins from Mirabad, Bossman Jack, Mr Hope Street, and Forthfactor in four of the seven races held at Aintree. Sadly, the meeting was marred by the euthanasia of Get On George, marking the second fatality at the event following Gold Dancer earlier in the week
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