I Am Maximus – Can the Top Weight Land a Historic Grand National Double?
Most horses are lucky to get one shot at Grand National glory. I Am Maximus returns looking to add a second chapter.
He arrives at Aintree as a past winner, last year’s runner-up, and the horse set to carry top weight. His record reads like a highlight reel of staying chases, built across Ireland and Britain against the strongest opposition.
What makes his position in 2026 so interesting is not just his achievements, but the way he has built them. Wins in the Irish Grand National, the Aintree Grand National, a dominant Bobbyjo Chase performance, and Grade 1 novice success all sit on his record, trained by Willie Mullins and running in the familiar colours of JP McManus. Even now, at ten years old, he remains right at the top level.
From Unpredictable Type to Staying Specialist
I Am Maximus was not always an obvious National horse. Mullins has often described him as a horse with his own way of doing things, not always giving much away at home.
Early runs mixed promise with inconsistency, but there was always a sense that he had the ability if things clicked into place.
That moment came at Fairyhouse. In April 2023, he produced a strong late run to win the BoyleSports Irish Grand National, coming from off the pace to catch Gevrey in the closing stages of a demanding race over three miles and five furlongs on testing ground.
Ridden by Paul Townend, he worked his way through a big field and showed that stamina and determination were key parts of his make-up.
Later that year, he returned to Fairyhouse and won the Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase, proving he had the class to go with his staying ability. At that stage, he was still not widely seen as a leading National contender, with the odd jumping error and his quirks keeping him just below the top tier in the betting.
Aintree Success in 2024
Everything changed at Aintree in April 2024. Sent off at 7/1, he was given a patient ride by Townend, gradually moving into contention as the race unfolded.
His jumping was not perfect, with Mullins later noting that he could have been cleaner at times, but he kept progressing through the field.
Turning for home, several rivals were still ahead, but he produced a strong late effort, moving past Delta Work and Minella Indo before pulling clear to win by seven and a half lengths.
It was a first Grand National success for Townend, a second for Mullins following Hedgehunter in 2005, and another for McManus.
For the horse himself, it marked the shift from a talented but slightly unpredictable performer to a proven top-class stayer capable of winning the biggest races.
So Close to Back-to-Back Wins
Following up a Grand National win is always difficult, especially when the handicapper reacts.
Mullins made it clear ahead of the 2025 race that carrying a rating in the high 160s would put him in rare company, alongside horses such as Red Rum and Tiger Roll.
He came very close to joining them.
In the 2025 Grand National, I Am Maximus carried 11st 12lb, travelled strongly for much of the race, and only gave way late on to stablemate Nick Rockett.
It was a performance that showed just how well he handled the challenge of top weight, finishing second after doing much of the hard work.
That run, combined with his win the year before, explains why he once again heads the weights and features prominently in the betting for 2026.
Current Form and Preparation
Preparation is key for any top-weight runner in this race. I Am Maximus has again been kept to high-level staying chases rather than being over-raced.
His recent performances show he is still operating at a high level, competing in Grade 1 and Grade 2 company and often conceding weight to rivals.
In early February, he ran in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown over three miles on soft ground, finishing behind Fact To File. While beaten, the run fits well with his overall form and kept him in good shape heading into Aintree.
Why He Could Win Again
The case in his favour is easy to follow.
He has already won the Grand National over the same course and distance. He handles a range of ground conditions, with major wins on soft and good-to-soft surfaces. His stamina has been proven at trips from three miles up to the extended National distance.
He is used to large fields, where his patient style and strong finish can be very effective, and he is trained by a yard that continues to target this race successfully.
There are still a couple of concerns. Carrying top weight again means he would be the first horse since Red Rum to win under such conditions if successful.
His jumping, while improved, can still lack rhythm at times. Small errors over a few fences may not matter in shorter races, but across thirty fences they can cost ground at important moments.
Even so, his second-place finish in 2025 has been viewed by some as one of the stronger recent performances in the race, given the weight he carried and how long he remained in contention.
A Horse Chasing History
In a race known for its stories, I Am Maximus returns with a chance to add his name to a select group.
He lines up again as top weight, representing the most successful trainer in recent years and running in the colours of an owner closely linked with major staying chases.
He may not have everything fall his way on the day. A younger horse on a lighter weight could find more late on, or the race could develop in a way that does not suit his style.
Still, any serious look at the 2026 Grand National has to include him near the top of the list.
If he does manage to win again under top weight, it will not come as a surprise based on what he has already achieved. The real question will be why there was ever any doubt.
