I Am Maximus is first horse since Red Rum to regain Grand National

Jockey Paul Townend wins the Grand National for the second time on I Am Maximus I Am Maximus became the first horse since Red Rum in 1977 to regain the Grand National as trainer Willie Mullins celebrated his third consecutive victory in the race at Aintree. The 2024 winner and last year's runner-up came into the race as the 9-2 favourite and backed that up by finishing ahead of Iroko, Jordans and Johnnywho. It made Irishman Mullins, who won the race for a fourth time in total, the first trainer since Vincent O'Brien between 1953 and 1955 to win in three successive years.

The feat means that JP McManus is now the leading owner in the history of the race with four wins - backing up the victories of Don't Push It in 2010, Minella Times in 2021 and I Am Maximus in 2024. McManus could also boast owning three of the top four in Saturday's showpiece race, with only Jordans not in his stable. Red Rum's second and third victories came in 1974 and 1977, and I Am Maximus is the first horse to have won the race in non-consecutive years since.

Further history for I Am Maximus was made by him, with a handicap of 11st 12lbs, becoming the first top weight to win since Red Rum carried 12 stone to victory in 1974. Jockey Paul Townend said he felt "privileged" to be riding I Am Maximus. He told ITV: "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.