I Am Maximus.
Has there ever been a more gallant name for a Grand National winner? This son of Authorized – winner of the Epsom Derby in 2007 – out of a French-winning mare was made joint favourite for the 2024 Aintree Grand National, Liverpool.
Trained by Willie Mullins, ridden by Paul Townsend and in the familiar racing silks of J P McManus, this eight-year-old bay gelding proved to be well found in the betting market when trouncing his rival at odds of 7/1.
I Am Maximus was given a quiet ride, biding his time, in fourth place at the final fence, but fairly flew home in the final furlong, soon clear to win by seven-and-a-half lengths from Delta Work (Gordon Elliott) and Minella Indo (Henry De Bromhead). In view of animal welfare concerns, only 32 runners took part rather than the usual 40.
This race saw previous 2023 Aintree Grand National winner Corach Rambler stumble and unseat his rider at the first fence.
On soft ground, the winning time of 9 minutes and 24 seconds was fair for the burden of carrying 11 stone 6 pounds.
It had been a good few years since trainer Willie Mullins had tasted success. In fact, you had to go back to Trevor Hemmings Hedgehunter in 2005, a popular winner (7/1f) when ridden by Ruby Walsh. As far as the winning owner, McManus, he was part of the history-making win in 2021 when Minella Times, was partnered by Rachael Blackmore, who was the first woman jockey to win the Aintree Grand National. However, this was for trainer Henry De Bromhead.
Many readers will remember J.P. McManus’ first Aintree Grand National winner – Don’t Push It – in 2010 being a particularly memorable year for Tony McCoy, his sole winner of the greatest race in the world. In addition, it was the first win for trainer Jonjo O’Neill.
Including his 2024 Aintree Grand National victory, I Am Maximus had run 15 times. He started his National Hunt career in fine style by winning an Open National Hunt Flat Race at Cheltenham (2m 87y) on the 24th October 2020. He would have a break of over a year before making his return to racing, when a narrow lose, finishing third, at Exeter, this time over hurdles.
His early career, saw him in training with Nicky Henderson and in the ownership of Claudio Michael Grech. However, on the 28th November 2022, I Am Maximus was moved to Willie Mullins’ stables at Closutton, Bagenalstown, Carlow, Ireland.
On the 22nd March 2023, this gelding was purchased by J.P.McManus.This was followed by a win at Fairyhouse winning the Irish Grand National Chase (Extended Handicap Chase) over 3m 5f. A prize of 270,000 (Euros) must have gone along way to covering the purchase price.
Clearly, the Aintree Grand National 2024 was the plan.
I Am Maximus wasn’t seen until 3rd December 2023 (237 day break) when winning a five-runner race at Fairyhouse.
He would race three more times in his build up to the Aintree Grand National, winning once at Fairyhouse (24th February 2024) before the big day at Liverpool on the 13th April 2024.
On the day Mullins said: ‘’It’s been an incredible season and Saturday was very, very special.’’
However, racing pundit Tom Segal said: ‘Jumping ability is no longer key when it comes to landing big races – as I Am Maximus’ Grand National win showed.’
Mullins continued: ‘After the National last year I thought he was a Gold Cup horse and I still do, but I think connections are much happier to go back to the National. Red Rum won three times and Tiger Roll won two, and I think JP [McManus, owner] would be keen to have a horse who can try to win two or maybe try for a third one. If you don’t try, you don’t succeed so that’s the plan.’