I Am Maximus Leads Grand National Field in Red Rum Rematch Hope
I Am Maximus Leads Grand National Field in Red Rum Rematch Hope
I Am Maximus heads a strong Grand National field at Aintree, chasing a Red Rum-style comeback as the race returns to its most famous hilltop showdown.
I Am Maximus heads the maximum field of 34 declared runners as he attempts to emulate Red Rum in Saturday’s Grand National. No horse since Ginger McCain’s Aintree legend has won the world’s most famous steeplechase, lost the title and then regained it. Red Rum won in 1973 and 1974 and was second in 1975 and 1976 before bringing the house down with a third victory in 1977. I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins, will be sporting cheekpieces for just the second time, the first being back in December 2022, as he looks to reclaim glory after his 2024 win and a near-miss in 2025 when another Mullins runner finished ahead of him.
As well as the past two winners, Mullins also runs Grangeclare West, who was third last year and will actually be the ride of Patrick Mullins, successful aboard Nick Rockett for his father last year but now overlooked in favour of the Bobbyjo Chase winner. Tom Bellamy picks up a dream spare ride on the defending champion. Others for Closutton are Spanish Harlem – owned by Dr Peter Fitzgerald, founder and owner of the sponsors Randox – Lecky Watson, Champ Kiely, High Class Hero, Captain Cody and Quai De Bourbon. The Rebecca Curtis-trained Haiti Couleurs is another aiming for a slice of history as no horse has won the Welsh and Irish Nationals as well as the Aintree version, while Banbridge, Gerri Colombe, Firefox, Monty’s Star and Oscars Brother enhance Ireland’s traditionally strong hand.
The latter is trained by Connor King and will be ridden by his brother, Daniel. Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero have two big chances, with last year’s fourth Iroko joined by stablemate Jagwar. Similarly to I Am Maximus, both are owned by JP McManus, who also has Cheltenham Festival winner Johnnywho on his UK-trained team. Iroko is a big chance for Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, while Ben Pauling’s Twig finishes the field with strong prospects. This year’s race promises a field packed with stud owners, notable jockeys and an appetite for an edge-of-the-seat finish at Aintree.
