Years

2026 I Am Maximus

admin May 8, 2026

The 2026 Grand National, run on good to soft going on April 11, 2026, proved to be a momentous occasion for the winner, I Am Maximus, his connections and the leading bookmakers. Owned by John Patrick ‘J.P.’ McManus, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by his stable jockey, Paul Townend, I Am Maximus had already won the Grand National in 2024 and finished a creditable second, behind stable companion Nick Rockett, under 11st 12lb, in 2025.

Thus, in coming from off the pace to win his second Grand National in three years, I Am Maximus became the first horse to regain his crown since Red Rum recorded his unprecedented third win in 1977. Likewise, in shouldering the welter burden of 11st 12lb to victory, he put up the best weight-carrying performance since Red Rum won his second National, under 12st 0lb, in 1975.

I Am Maximus was also a record fourth Grand National winner for McManus – whose familiar green and gold silks were also carried by the second and fourth horses home, Iroko and Johnnywho – after Don’t Push It (2010), Minella Times (2021) and I Am Maximus himself (2024). Similarly, Mullins, with four winners, joined Fred Rimmell and Donald ‘Ginger’ McCain as the leading trainer in the history of the Grand National. He also became the first trainer since compatriot Vincent O’Brien, in 1955, to win the world-famous steeplechase three years running.

A renowned professional gambler, McManus confessed to having “little bit” on I Am Maximus, but the 10-year-old was the subject of a wholesale gamble before the ‘off’ – including a single bet of £100,000 at 8/1, on-course – forcing his starting price into 9/2 favourite. He thus became the shortest-priced winner since Tiger Roll won his second National in 2019. A spokesman for bookmaker William Hill said, “Him [I Am Maximus] winning was one of our worst-case scenarios, and with well-fancied horses such as Iroko and Johnnywho in the places, we’re facing up to a payout of north of £10 million in the race.”

Invariably modest, despite his unprecendented success, Mullins was full of praise for owner and jockey. He said, “It was a good call from J.P. [McManus], I’d been going down the Gold Cup route with him, but he said to stay in Aintree with him as he felt he was well handicapped. Paul [Townend] just executed it so well.

2025 Nick Rockett

admin May 8, 2026

Following victory in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse on February 22, 2025, 11 days after the announcement of the weights for the Grand National, Nick Rockett was promoted to 9/1 second-favourite for the world-famous steeplechase. The likes of Hedgehunter (2005) and I Am Maximus (2024) – both of whom were trained, like Nick Rockett, by Willie Mullins – won the Bobbyjo Chase en route to winning the Grand National, so the initial reaction of the bookmakers was, in some ways, justified. Immediately after the Bobbyjo Chase, Mullins said, “That was tough and this should leave him [Nick Rockett] spot on for Aintree.”

However, by the time Grand National Day, April 5, 2025, rolled around, Nick Tockett was actually sent off at 33/1 to emulate his illustrious stable companions. He was, perhaps understandably, foresaken by Mullins’ stable jockey Paul Townend, who had ridden him at Fairyhouse, but opted instead to ride defending champion I Am Maximus and faced Intense Raffles, whom he had beaten just three-quarters of a length in the Bobbyjo Chase, on 15lb worse terms.

Nevertheless, in the hands of leading amateur jockey Patrick Mullins, son of his trainer, Nick Rockett fared best of six entries from the famous Closutton Yard. Having travelled strongly, the stoutly-bred eight-year-old made headway four fences from home and took a narrow lead two out. On the run-in, he faced a strong challenge from the aforementioned I Am Maximus but, in receipt of 4lb, Nick Rockett, kept on well in closing stages to repel his stable companion and win by two-and-a-half lengths. Grangeclare West, also trained by Willie Mullins, finished third, a further half a length away, thereby giving the County Carlow handler a notable 1-2-3. Patrick Mullins, for his trouble, was referred to the Whip Review Committee by the raceday stewards and subsequently suspended for eight days, having been found to have used his whip once above the permitted level of seven from after the final fence.

An emotional Willie Mullins said afterwards, “Being the lucky day that can lead your son up on a Grand National winner. It must be like being the manager of a World Cup team and having your son score the winning goal.” In praise of his father, Patrick Mullins said, “You read of trainers retiring. I don’t see Willie retiring, I just see him dying at some stage, like my grandfather [Paddy, trainer of Dawn Run]; he trained until he died. It’s not a job, it’s what he is.”

Grand National Winners 1840 – 1849

admin October 19, 2025

The Industrial Revolution saw urbanisation intensify. Cities grew rapidly but for the poorest, housing and sanitisation remained inadequate. Workhouses reflected the harsh realities for many. Outbreaks of Cholera took their toll on public health. Huge investment added to ‘Railway Mania’ which peaked mid-decade transforming society. Queen Victoria got married to Prince Albert in 1840. The British Empire expanded. China was humiliated with their loss in the First Opium War, which saw them concede much in The Treaty of Nanking 1842. It was called a ‘Century of Humiliation’ which saw Hong Kong Island ceded to Britain. New Zealand became a British colony in 1840. Expansion continued in Africa and India. However, closer to home the Great Famine (Potato Famine) devastated Ireland with repeated crop failures. Over 1 million died and another million emigrated (mainly to the United States). The British Government were criticised for their inadequate or indifferent relief policies. With an emphasis on free trade, The Bank Charter Act (1844) regulated bank note issuance. The Victorian culture of respectability, family and duty held strong. Charles Dickens published major works including A Christmas Carol (1843).

The Aintree Grand National saw a decade of winners.

Although detailed as the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase much of the press recorded it for the first time as the Grand National.

These early races were very disorganised but developed into the steeplechase we know and love today.

Let’s take a closer look:

1840 – Jerry 12/1

1841 – Charity 14/1

1842 – Gaylad 7/1

1843 – Vanguard 12/1

1844 – Discount 5/1

1845 – Cure-All (Not Quoted)

1846 – Pioneer 20/1

1847 – Mathew 10/1

1848 – Chandler 12/1

1849 – Peter Simple 20/1

1840: Jerry won the 2^nd running of the Grand National, although until 1847 it was called The Grand Liverpool Steeplechase. This race featured a field of just 13 runners. It should be noted that it wasn’t a handicap as all horses carried 12 stone. Jerry won at odds of 12/1. Ridden by Mr Bartholomew Bretherton, trained by George Dockeray in the ownership of Henry Villebois. The gelding was meant to run the year before, but was withdrawn at the last minute. He won in a canter, beating the previous course record. The race was criticised as it was feared Tom Oliver had been killed by his fall, when brought down at the wall. He suffered a broken collar bone and concussion. Another jockey P. Barker had been found unattended in a nearby barn and connections had made no inquiries about his state.

1841: Noted for being the smallest field with just 11 runners. Charity, an eleven-year-old gelding, won at odds of 14/1. Trained by William Vevers, ridden by Horatio Powell in the ownership of Lord Craven, formerly Viscount Uffington. Race reports varied wildly with some newspapers suggesting Charity was a pre-race favourite while other said the going varied from good to heavy. The race started two hours late. Charity won by a length.

1845: Cure-All is something of a mystery in that he was a half-bred and his dam was unknown. Amazingly, he was walked from Grimsby to Liverpool and returned the same way after his noted victory. In their honour, church bells rang.

Cure-All won by two lengths.

William Loft, son of a Grimsby MP, originally purchased the horse at Horncastle Fair in 1843. He went on to win impressively at Lincoln. Thereafter, he was approached by William Stuart Sterling Crawford who wished to lease Cure-All for the 1845 Grand National, which Loft agreed as long as he could take the ride. He was trained by ‘Kitty’ Crisp.

In reality, William Loft owned, trained and rode the horse.

The gelding was an outsider (perhaps the reason there were no odds quoted). Sterling Crawford complained about the race conditions which had seen heavy rain followed by a sharp frost which saw parts of the course rock hard. Horse owners voted for the race to start at 5pm. However, Crocus, owned by Mr Robson, was withdrawn on safety concerns.

In those days, only the first four horses to pass the post were recorded as finishers. Some of the other runners to finish were so far behind they crossed the line with spectators.

Sadly, Clansman was fatally injured at the Canal Turn.

In years to follow, Tom Oliver detailed that Cure-All’s victory was due to not completing the entire course.

1849: Peter Simple won his first National at the age of 11 for owner-trainer Tom Cunningham in the ownership of Finch Mason Jr at odds of 20/1. He would win once more in 1853 at the age of 15. A feat that will never be beaten.

The oldest horse to ever win the Aintree Grand National.

Sadly, 3 horses were fatally injured (The Curate, Equinox & Kilfane.) There was a great deal of criticism regarding the horse deaths which had seen 6 horses fatally injured in two years. This would lead to modifications of the course.

A point considered to this day.

Grand National Winners 1850 – 1859

admin October 10, 2025

The height of the Victorian era.

Lord Palmerston becomes Prime Minister in 1855. A time of much conflict.

The Crimean War (1853 – 1856) saw Britain, France and the Ottoman Empire fight against Russia. The weakening Ottoman Empire saw European powers fighting over influence and territory. Known as the ‘Eastern Question’ Russia wanted to gain control of the Black Sea, while Britain and France feared this would threaten trade routes and global influence. It also had religious underpinnings with disputes between Catholic and Christians, which saw a religious dispute in Jerusalem. Major battles included The Charge of the Light Brigade and the Fall Of Sevastopol. Sadly, of the 750,000 who lost their life, the vast majority died through disease, infection and harsh conditions. Typhus and Cholera swept through armies. Russia lost the war and signed the Treaty of Paris in 1856.

This period saw Florence Nightingale reform nursing and hygiene.

It was the height of the Industrial Revolution. Cities such as Liverpool and Birmingham become industrial powerhouses. This was detailed with the Great Exhibition (1851), held at Crystal Palace, organised by Prince Albert.

A Victorian cultural boom saw Charles Dickens Bleak House and Little Dorrit hit the bookshops. The growth of popular journalism saw the penny press.

Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species was published in 1859.

The Aintree Grand National remained as popular as ever although there was criticism regarding horse fatalities.

Let’s take a look at the winners for this decade:

1850 – Abd-El-Kadar 30/1

1851 – Abd-El-Kadar 7/1

1852 – Miss Mowbray 12/1

1853 – Peter Simple 9/1

1854 – Bourton 4/1

1855 – Wanderer 25/1

1856 – Freetrader 25/1

1857 – Emigrant 10/1

1858 – Little Charley 100/6

1859 – Half Caste 7/1

1850: The decade started on a high note with Abd-El-Kadar who was an unconsidered Irish raider who won at odds of 30/1. ‘Little Ab’ was a tiny gelding owned and trained by Joseph Osborne and ridden by Chris Green (who went on to win again with Half Caste, 1859). He was born at Upwell, Norfolk. Abd-El-Kadar was considered by many a fortunate winner, holding on to win by half a length with much drama at the final fence. Fortune favours the brave, and this little horse would prove he was a star when retaining his title the following year with another battling victory to win by a neck. The first dual winner of the National. He would attempt to make it three wins on the trot but pulled-up at the 20^th fence (Becher’s Brook) after running across the wheat field for the second circuit. He would finish 5^th in 1853.

1853: Peter Simple was no stranger to the Grand National after winning in 1849 for Tom Cunningham and owner Finch Mason, Jr. In heavy ground, he won by three lengths at odds of 20/1. There were 3 fatalities in the race leading to much criticism in the press. However, Peter Simple would make history in 1853 when winning for a second time at the age of 15. This is a record unlikely to be beaten. His victory was all the more impressive for not completing the course in the three previous races.

1854: 4/1f Bourton won in a canter by fifteen lengths, ridden by John Tasker, trained by Henry Wadlow in the ownership of William Moseley. Reading the race report, it is quite distressing to hear the lack of compassion some jockeys had for their mounts. Half And Half finished sixth but was ridden lame for most of the second circuit after breaking down. A similar story for the veteran Peter Simple, who was 16, who finished in a very distressed state after breaking down badly. He was ridden by Newmarket-born Charles Boyce, the son of Classic winning jockey Frank.

1857: There is an interesting story behind Emigrant, who was won in a card game from Ben Land. Bookmaker and noted gambler George Hogman, bet heavily on his horse ante post but began to lay it to lose as the race neared as public confidence in the horse faded. However, Hogman made no secret that he thought the horse was a certainty. Trained and ridden by Charles Boyce, who was injured leading up to the big day, kept the ride. When asked for instructions Hogman said: ‘Do what you like.’

Emigrant won the race easily by three lengths at odds of 10/1.

Hogman won £5000. However, if he hadn’t laid much of his potential win with fears of his injured jockey not being at his best, he could have won ten times that sum. Boyce was rewarded with a gift of £1000. In today’s money, that would be worth £150,000.

1859: Half Caste concluded the decade winning at odds of 7/1 for trainer-jockey Chris Green in the silks of Mr Willoughby. The race saw spectators sabotage many of the fences endeavouring to make them less of a test. Some jockeys returned after the race to say their mounts had jumped spectators, so close to the jumps were the crowds! With the conflict of the Crimean War and Indian Mutiny there was concerns it had starved the sport of both good hunters and good hunting men. The field was made up of mostly flat race rejects and horses which had never taken part in a steeplechase. In one of the closest finishes ever, Half Caste won by a short neck.

Grand National Winners 1860 – 1869

admin October 5, 2025

The death of Prince Albert in 1861 saw Queen Victoria dress in black for the rest of her life. Lord Palmerston, a Liberal, was Prime Minister from 1859 until his death in 1865. Campaigns for expanding voting rights would see increased numbers with the passing of the Second Reform Act (1867) under the Conservative rule of Benjamin Disraeli. Many urban working-class men voted for the first time. Cities grew, railways expanded and steel and coal production increased. The American Civil War (1861 – 1865) cut off cotton supplies from southern states hitting Lancashire’s textile industry leading to unemployment and hardship. The British Empire grew steadily in India and Africa, while troops were involved in colonial conflict with the Maori (1860 – 1869). Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species (1859) continued to spark debate. Britain was the hub of innovation. In 1863, London opened the world’s first Underground railway from Paddington to Farringdon. The work of Charles Dickens Great Expectations (1861) was well received both critically and by public alike. Modern sports like football and cricket become more formalized. The Aintree Grand National saw an enthralling decade of winners. It was a place where aristocrats rubbed shoulders with ordinary people.

Let’s take a closer look:

1860 – Anatis 7/2f

1861 – Jealousy 5/1

1862 – The Huntsman 3/1f

1863 – Emblem 4/1

1864 – Emblematic 10/1

1865 – Alcibiade 100/7

1866 – Salamander 40/1

1867 – Cortolvin 16/1

1868 – The Lamb 9/1

1869 – The Colonel 100/7

1860: The 22^nd Grand National took place on the 7^th March. Race goers were expecting a 25-strong field but 6 late non runners caused anger amongst the crowd as the heavily backed favourite, Jealousy, didn’t take part (no doubt the first time ante-post backers heard of the news). Anatis had shown some class finishing 5^th the previous year and was backed to 7/2f. Her jockey Mr Tommy Pickering rode under the pseudonym Mr Thomas who said of his mount: ‘She’s a powerful, tearing mare trained specifically for the National.’ In a battle with The Huntsman, the 10-year-old, trained by H.E.May in the ownership of Christopher Chapel won by half a length.

The Aintree Grand National has a rich history dating back to 1839, but winning mares have been few and far between with only 13 tasting victory. In fact, the most recent mare to win is Nickel Coin (1951). The 19^th century was a time when mare held every chance of winning and the 1860s especially so with 4 mares.

1861: Punters who missed out on Jealousy, would have something to cheer about when the Charles Balchin-trained mare would take on her nemesis, previous year’s winner Anatis, who was backed to favouritism when looking impressive in the paddock. Some feared Jealousy would struggle to get home in the conditions after finishing 11^th and last in 1859. Joseph Kendall rode a fine race to win by two lengths from 33/1 shot, The Dane.

1862: Saw The Huntsman win under the ownership of Viscount de Namur Baron de la Motte, trained by Harry Lamplugh. The gelding, ridden by the trainer, won by four lengths and priced 3/1 favourite. He had finished third in 1859 and runner-up in 1860. The Huntsman would race two days later in the Great North of England Chase at Doncaster, breaking down to be retired to stud.

The race is remembered with sadness for being the only fatality of a jockey when Joseph (Joe) Wynne was crushed when his mount O’Connell fell at the 13^th fence. Tragically, Wynne had been told that his sister had died on the morning of the race and offered the chance to stand down. Making his debut in the race he said: ‘He had come so far to ride the horse.’

Truly tragic.

1863: Emblem proved an easy winner for the 25^th renewal winning by twenty lengths, ridden by George Stevens, trained by Edwin Weever, in the ownership of Lord Coventry. She defeated the previous year’s winner Jealousy, who finished 6^th. Stevens is still credited with being the most winning jockey of the Aintree Grand National with 5 wins (1856, 1863, 1864, 1869, 1870). Lord Coventry would follow up the next year (1864) with Emblematic, a full sister to Emblem, who won at odds of 10/1 by four lengths.

1866: For those punters who love to hear about big-priced winners, that honour for the 1860s was given to Salamander who won well by ten lengths on soft ground and snowy conditions for jockey Alec Goodman, from trainer J Walters, in the silks of Edward Studd.

In summary: This decade was noted for four winning mares (Anatis 1860, Jealousy 1861, Emblem 1863 & Emblematic 1864), the success of George Stevens winning 3 Nationals (Emblem 1863, Emblematic 1864 & The Colonel 1869). Stevens went on to win again in 1870 with The Colonel.

The most noted memory being the fatality of Joe Wynne.

He was just 20 years of age.

The Grand National – the ultimate test for horse and jockey.

The toughest steeplechase in the world.