Joint-favourite I Am Maximus won the Grand National for trainer Willie Mullins in a race described as “unbelievable” by jockey Paul Townend.
In a race featuring a first-fence exit for 2023 winner Corach Rambler, the champion stormed to victory by seven-and-a-half lengths at Aintree.
Delta Work was second, beating Minella Indo into third in front of Galvin.
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“He got a little careful on the second circuit,” Townend told ITV Racing, calling his start “not great”.
“I was trying to conserve as much as I could. I didn’t get the clearest run from the second-last to the last, but it kind of helped me.
“I had a feeling that, when I got him out, he was going to start motoring into clear air – and he did. What an unbelievable race and unbelievable horse.”
Some reception for I Am Maximus and Paul Townend 👏@RandoxHealth pic.twitter.com/mRJ5tG2GFE
— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) April 13, 2024
I Am Maximus wins Grand National
Mac Tottie was the only horse to be treated and was taken to a horse ambulance, while Stattler, Janidil, Foxy Jacks, Farouk d’Alene, Chemical Energy and Minella Crooner pulled up.
Townend claimed his first Grand National attempt at the 13th attempt, and it was a second triumph for Mullins.
“Fantastic stuff – you just couldn’t make it up,” said Mullins. “Aintree is the first race you see; it’s the first race everyone in racing wants to see.”
Several horses were in contention towards the end of the showpiece. “The ones in front of me weren’t looking for me, I’m sure,” said Townend.
“But I had them well in my sights and I was hoping he’d respond like I thought he would.
“Gold Cups are Gold Cups. Grade Ones are hard to win. Grand Nationals are just a bit different. There’s so much luck. I can’t believe it.”
