I Am Maximus, ridden by jockey Paul Townend and trained by Willie Mullins, stole the spotlight at Aintree as they stormed to victory in the Grand National. The 7-1 joint favorite showcased remarkable prowess, clinching the prestigious title by an impressive seven and a half lengths ahead of runner-up Delta Work.
Townend, overwhelmed by the triumph, expressed, “What an unbelievable race and unbelievable horse.” The victory marked a momentous occasion for Townend, securing his first National win after 13 attempts.
The thrilling race was not without early drama as last year’s winner Corach Rambler unseated jockey Derek Fox at the first fence. Despite the initial setback, the event unfolded seamlessly, with 21 out of 32 starters completing the race, the highest number since 1992.
Reflecting on the race, Mullins expressed his delight, stating, “Aintree is the first race you see, it’s the first race everyone in racing wants to see. Fantastic stuff, you just couldn’t make it up.” Victory at the Grand National further solidified Mullins’ position as a frontrunner for the British trainers’ championship.
The electrifying atmosphere at Aintree was complemented by thrilling performances throughout the day. Gordon Elliott and jockey Jack Kennedy enjoyed success with a double, including Brighterdaysahead’s triumph in the Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle and Found A Fifty’s victory in the Maghull Novices Chase.
Additionally, Olly Murphy’s Strong Leader delivered an impressive win in the Liverpool Hurdle, justifying the decision to skip the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
The Grand National, with its storied history and thrilling competition, continues to captivate audiences worldwide, showcasing the extraordinary talent and resilience of both horse and rider.