I Am Maximus stormed clear to win the Grand National for jockey Paul Townend and trainer Willie Mullins.
The 7-1 joint favourite triumphed by seven and a half lengths at Aintree from runner-up Delta Work, with Minella Indo third and Galvin fourth.
“What an unbelievable race and unbelievable horse,” said Townend.
There was early drama in the famous race as last year’s winner Corach Rambler unseated jockey Derek Fox at the first fence.
Mac Tottie, who was pulled up, was treated by vets and walked onto a horse ambulance before being taken to the stables for further assessment. There were no concerns about any other runners
Of the 32 starters, 21 horses completed the course and there were plenty with chances going into the final stages.
Rachael Blackmore looked like she might secure a second National win as Minella Indo challenged, while Kitty’s Light finished fifth for Welsh trainer Christian Williams, whose young daughter Betsy is being treated for leukaemia.
But it was the team of Mullins, Townend and owner JP McManus who triumphed as I Am Maximus led home an Irish 1-2-3-4.
At the 13th attempt, Townend was claiming his first National win while it was a second for Mullins after Hedgehunter in 2005 and McManus’ third triumph following Don’t Push It (2010) and Minella Times (2021).
Victory means Mullins is now favourite to win the British trainers’ championship, which concludes at the end of this month.
“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,” said Mullins.
Last year’s race had been delayed by 14 minutes after animal rights activists entered the track, but there was no disruption this time.
The number of runners had been reduced from a maximum of 40 following a safety review.
More to follow.
