I Am Maximus emulates Red Rum to regain Grand National crown / Photo: Paul ELLIS - AFP
I Am Maximus emulates Red Rum to regain Grand National crown
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 home the 2024 winner to a memorable success to also emulate Red Rum, who in 1974 became the first top weight to prevail in the world's greatest steeplechase.
Willie Mullins is the first trainer to win three successive Nationals since his 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.
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, and he powered past 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."
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.
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.
T.M.Kelly--NG
