Aintree, United Kingdom (AFP) — I Am Maximus became the first horse since Red Rum 49 years ago to regain his Grand National crown after he won a thrilling race at Aintree on Saturday.

Second last year, Paul Townend came from way off the leader at the last to guide the 2024 winner to a memorable victory — the first top-weight success in the world’s greatest steeplechase since Red Rum in 1974.

Willie Mullins is the first trainer to win three successive Nationals since fellow Irishman Vincent O’Brien (1953-55) in what was also a record-equalling fourth triumph in the race for the 69-year-old.

“It is extraordinary. You never dream you are going to have something like this but, thanks to men like this

[owner JP McManus], you can achieve unlikely dreams,” said Mullins.

Mullins said the National may not have the prestige of other races but its magic is what inspires many to go into the sport.

“It’s the first race we all watch on television,” he said.

“It’s the one we aspire to win when we go into racing. It’s the race you grow up wanting to win and wanting to be part of.

“Just to have a runner in it is a tremendous sensation.”

It was also a record fourth success for owner McManus who had three of the first four home, with Iroko second and Johnnywho fourth.

Victory had looked unlikely when I Am Maximus made a mistake a few fences out, and he had a huge amount of ground to make up on
Jordans who had kicked clear and led over the last.

However, Townend and I Am Maximus found another gear as the gallant Jordans tired, powering past him to win.

“He’s tough. I think the cheekpieces helped in the middle of the race,” said Townend.

“He’s a really, really good horse, and although Grangeclare West and Nick Rockett [stablemates] 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.”

Just magical

For Townend, 35, it has been a remarkable last few weeks, having, along with Mullins, won the Holy Trinity of Cheltenham Festival races — the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase and Gold Cup.

“Grand Nationals and Gold Cups are the pinnacle of the sport, and I have them both,” said Townend.

Iroko, fourth last year, edged Jordans near the line, with Johnnywho, hampered by riderless horses, fourth.

Jordans had an extraordinary roller coaster of a race under Ben Jones.

Nearly brought down on the first circuit, he was last and almost tailed off going out onto the second circuit.

However, he found a second wind and ran on through tiring horses, suddenly finding himself holding a clear lead, allowing Jones to dream of National glory.

It was not to be.

“I didn’t want to think about winning too much, and I got over the last and thought, ‘Right, whatever happens now, he’s run well,’ “ said Jones.

“I had such a smooth run round; it was just magical.”

Just 16 of the 34 horses finished, with some of the better-fancied ones departing early on.

A year ago, Patrick Mullins was celebrating winning on Nick Rockett for his father Willie.

But his race on Saturday lasted just one fence as Grangeclare West, third last year, unseated him.

Panic Attack, one of England’s best hopes of winning their first National since 2015, was gone by the third, and Gerri Colombe left the party at the seventh.

Two other well-backed McManus runners, Oscars Brother — whose trainer has only two horses — fell at the biggest fence, The Chair, and Jagwar, at the 20th.

Three of the horses had to be assessed by the veterinary staff while jockey Robbie Dunne had to be taken to hospital after his ride, Stellar Story, rolled over him when they fell.

Jockey Paul Townend and I Am Maximus (right in green and yellow silks) jump The Chair on the way to winning the Grand National Handicap Chase on the final day of the Grand National Festival horse race meeting at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, north-west England, on April 11, 2026. I Am Maximus became the first horse since Red Rum 49 years ago to regain his Grand National crown after he won a thrilling race at Aintree on Saturday. (Photo: AFP)

Jockey Paul Townend kisses the trophy at the presentation after riding I Am Maximus to victory in the Grand National Handicap Chase on the final day of the Grand National Festival horse race meeting at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, north-west England, on April 11, 2026. I Am Maximus became the first horse since Red Rum 49 years ago to regain his Grand National crown after he won a thrilling race at Aintree on Saturday. (Photo: AFP)