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I Am Maximus, the 9/2 favourite, became the first horse since Red Rum in the 1970s to regain the Grand National title having lost it
Luke Baker & Jack RathbornSaturday 11 April 2026 16:47 BST- Bookmark
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‘He’s so good’: I Am Maximus wins Grand National for second time at AintreeI Am Maximus has won the Grand National to emulate the legendary Red Rum at Aintree.
The 9/2 favourite, owned by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, reclaimed the crown he took in 2024, having been runner-up to 33/1 shot Nick Rockett last year, and is the first horse since Red Rum in the 1970s to regain the Grand National title having lost it.
Jordans, a 28/1 outsider under Ben Jones, had the lead following the final hurdle, but I Am Maximus reeled in his advantage while loose horses also ran towards the line. Iroko (18/1) was second with Jordans third and Johnnywho (12/1) fourth.
There has been sad news already at Aintree this week however, with Gold Dancer being put down moments after breaking his back while winning the Mildmay Novices’ Chase on Friday and Get On George similarly being “humanely euthanised” after pulling up in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle this afternoon.
Follow all the action from the Grand National at Aintree with our blog below:
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Grand National 2026 - live updates
- 2024 winner I Am Maximus wins the Grand National
- 9/2 favourite regains his crown for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend
- I Am Maximus becomes first horse since Red Rum to regain Grand National title after losing it
- WATCH: I Am Maximus makes history by winning the 2026 Grand National
- A second horse of the week, Get On George, is put down after pulling up during Saturday's racing
IN PICTURES: I Am Maximus wins the 2026 Grand National
An incredible day for I Am Maximus and all his connections
(Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(AP)Luke Baker11 April 2026 16:47Positive update on Top Of The Bill
A positive update from presenter Ed Chamberlin on ITV on Top Of The Bill.
He was one of the fallers and was being assessed on the course by the veterinary team, which is often a bad sign, but the horse is now up and walking back to the stables. That’s very good news.
The jockey in the worst shape was Robert Dunne on Stellar Story. The update on Dunne is that he’s conscious and talking and will be taken to hospital for further assessment.
Luke Baker11 April 2026 16:43Willie Mullins: 'Maybe the Grand National is changing'
Willie Mullins has also talked to ITV after becoming the first trainer since Vincent O'Brien between 1963 and 1965 to win the Grand National three years in a row.
I Am Maximus is also the first top weight horse to win this race since Red Rum back in 1974 and Mullins believes the race might be changing.
“The most trouble came from its own stable,” said Mullins. “Paul [jockey Paul Townend] executed it so good. It is [very hard to win off top weight]. But it is changing, maybe we need to look at it. It’s very tough.
“It’s the one we aspire to win when we go into racing. The one you want to win, just to have a runner in it.”
Luke Baker11 April 2026 16:37Paul Townend salutes I Am Maximus
Jockey Paul Townend spoke to ITV after that remarkable victory on I Am Maximus.
“He’s tough isn’t he! He’s so good, he’s got such an engine. He gallops to the end of the world for you,” said Townend.
“It’s a privilege to do it. What a horse.
“This win is right up there. It's Grand Nationals and Gold Cups, they're the pinnacle of our sport. I’ve got them both!”
Luke Baker11 April 2026 16:33Top Of The Bill being assessed on course
Now for the darker side of the Grand National. We await news of the horses and jockeys who either fell or were pulled up during the race.
The most concern seems to be for Top Of The Bill, with presenter Ed Chamberlin announcing on ITV that he is being assessed on the course. We’ll await further updates but that’s often a phrase that precedes a horse being put down.
Meanwhile, Quai De Bourbon has walked on to a horse ambulance and been taken to the stables for further assessment.
(REUTERS)Luke Baker11 April 2026 16:26I Am Maximus matches Red Rum
Not only is I Am Maximus the first horse since Red Rum to regain the Grand National crown having lost it but he matches the racing legend in another.
He is the first top weight horse to win the Grand National since Red Rum back in 1974.
It is also a third consecutive Grand National winner for trainer Willie Mullins, the first trainer since Vincent O'Brien between 1963 and 1965 to win this race three years in a row.
And finally, JP McManus becomes the first owner in Grand National history to record four winners.
(Getty Images)Luke Baker11 April 2026 16:23WATCH: I Am Maximus wins the 2026 Grand National
I Am Maximus regains the Grand National crown, with Paul Townend doing the job in style. Incredible.
But Jordans will regret a missed opportunity. It was there for him... Perhaps went a shade too early
Luke Baker11 April 2026 16:18I Am Maximus makes Grand National history
It’s history for I Am Maximus. The 2024 winner has done it again. Paul Townend and Willie Mullins can celebrate a remarkable win.
I Am Maximus is the first horse since Red Rum to regain the Grand National title having lost it. He was a runner-up last year as well. History at Aintree!
- I Am Maximus - 9/2F
- Iroko - 18/1
- Jordans - 28/1
- Johnnywho - 12/1
(REUTERS)Luke Baker11 April 2026 16:17Grand National 2026 result
WOW WOW WOW! I Am Maximus came from way back, surged past the fading Jordans and took victory.
The favourite wins! Iroko took second, Jordans in third and Johnnywho, slightly held up by loose horse in fourth
Luke Baker11 April 2026 16:14I Am Maximus wins the Grand National!
HE’S DONE IT! I AM MAXIMUS WINS THE 2026 GRAND NATIONAL
Luke Baker11 April 2026 16:12Newer1 / 6OlderMore about
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