It was a Grand National to savour for Irish trainer Willie Mullins as he celebrated his third consecutive victory thanks to I Am Maximus – equalling the feat achieved by the legendary Vincent O’Brien.
Between 1953 and 1955, O’Brien became the first trainer to win the iconic race three times in a row as Early Mist, Royal Tan and Quare Times triumphed.
Mullins has now etched his name in Aintree folklore and told BBC Radio 5 Live: “That is some company to be up there with Vincent O’Brien. He is a legend of legends in the game.
“To be lucky enough to be mentioned in the same breath as him is just off the charts. You never dream of that sort of thing.”
It has not come easy for the 69-year-old, though.
After winning his first National with Hedgehunter in 2005, Mullins had to be patient for 19 years until I Am Maximus landed the first of his two victories in 2024.
He has since dominated with Nick Rockett (2025) and I Am Maximus (2026) making it four in total – equalling the records of George Dockeray, Fred Rimell and Ginger McCain.
I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend, went into the race 9-2 favourite after significant late support by punters and became the first horse since Red Rum in 1977 to regain the Grand National.
There was further history for I Am Maximus, with a handicap of 11st 12lb, becoming the first top weight to triumph since Red Rum carried 12st in 1974.
When Ben Jones made his move on 28-1 shot Jordans around the final bend, Townend stalked the leaders on I Am Maximus and finally burst for the front near the famous Aintree elbow. The rest is history.
The feat also meant JP McManus is the leading owner in the history of the race with four wins – backing up the victories of 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 launched late charges in the past two years to take the British title for the first time.
He is set to lose that crown this year, despite winning £500,000 with I Am Maximus, as Dan Skelton – who won four races at Aintree on Saturday – has created history by becoming the first trainer to pass the £4m mark.
Mullins is also in a battle with Gordon Elliott for the Irish title, but with the Punchestown Festival to follow between 28 April and 2 May, he is expected to come out on top.
