Grand National 2026: I Am Maximus wins a fourth race at Aintree for Willie Mullins
It was a Grand National equal to the feat achieved by the legendary Vincent O’Brien as Irish trainer Willie Mullins celebrated his third successive victory thanks to I Am Maximus.
Between 1953 and 1955, O’Brien became the first trainer to win the iconic race three times in a row, with victories for Early Mist, Royal Tan and Quare Times.
Mullins has now etched his name into Aintree folklore and told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It’s a friendship being there with Vincent O’Brien. He’s the legend of legends in the game.
“To be lucky enough to be mentioned in the same breath with him is extraordinary. You could never imagine something like this.”
However, this was not easy for the 69-year-old football player.
After winning his first National match with Hedgehunter in 2005, Mullins had to be patient for 19 years until he achieved the first of I Am Maximus’ two victories in 2024.
He has since won a total of four with Nick Rockett (2025) and I Am Maximus (2026), equaling the records of George Dockeray, Fred Rimell and Ginger McCain.
I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend, entered the race as the 9-2 favorite after a late boost from bookmakers and became the first horse to win the Grand National again since Red Rum in 1977.
I Am Maximus had another history; With his 11th 12lb handicap, he became the first heavyweight to triumph since Red Rum took 12th in 1974.
When Ben Jones hit Jordans for 28-1 going into the final bend, Townend chased the leaders on I Am Maximus, eventually bursting forward near the famous Aintree bend. The rest is history.
The feat also meant JP McManus became the leading owner in the race’s history with four wins, backing up victories for Don’t Push It in 2010, Minella Times in 2021 and I Am Maximus in 2024.
Mullins is a 19-time Irish National Hunt Champion trainer and has launched accusations of delay in claiming the British title for the first time in the last two years.
Dan Skelton, who won four races at Aintree on Saturday, is set to lose that crown this year despite earning £500,000 for I Am Maximus, as he made history by becoming the first trainer to pass the £4million mark.
Mullins is also challenging Gordon Elliott for the Irish title but is expected to come out on top at the Punchestown Festival, which runs from 28 April to 2 May.
