I Am Maximus turned a two-time Grand Nationwide winner as coach Willie Mullins celebrated his third consecutive victory within the race at Aintree.
The 2024 winner and final yr’s runner-up got here into the race because the 9-2 favorite and backed that up by ending forward of Iroko, Jordans and Johnnywho.
It made Irishman Mullins, who gained the race for a fourth time in complete, the primary coach since Vincent O’Brien between 1953 and 1955 to win in three straight years.
The win implies that JP McManus is now the main proprietor with 4 wins within the historic race – backing up the victories of Do not Push It in 2010, Minella Occasions in 2021 and I Am Maximus in 2024.
I Am Maximus can also be the primary horse to win the race in non-consecutive years since Pink Rum’s second and third victories got here in 1974 and 1977.
McManus may additionally boast proudly owning three of the highest 4 in Saturday’s showpiece race, with solely Jordans not in his steady.
Additional historical past for I Am Maximus was made by him changing into the primary prime weight at 11st 12lbs to win since Pink Rum carried 12 stone to victory in 1974.
Jockey Paul Townend mentioned he felt “privileged” to be driving I Am Maximus.
He advised ITV: “He is powerful. He is a extremely, actually good horse, and though Grangeclare West and Nick Rockett regarded good in coaching, this lad wasn’t telling me to not journey him.
“He’s so good and has such an engine. He’ll gallop to the tip of the world for you. I’m actually privileged. What a horse.
“Grand Nationals and Gold Cups are the top of the game and I’ve them each.”
In a dramatic opening, final yr’s successful jockey on Nick Rockett, Patrick Mullins, was unseated on the fancied Grangeclare West on the second fence, earlier than the one mare and second favorite Panic Assault fell on the third.
Ben Jones made his transfer on Jordans, a 28-1 shot, across the ultimate bend, however Townend stalked the main pack on I Am Maximus and at last made his burst for the entrance.
Sixteen of the 34 beginning horses accomplished the race. Quai de Bourbon was walked into an ambulance after falling, whereas jockey Robbie Dunne was taken to hospital for evaluation after a fall on Stellar Story.
