Mullins confirms I Am Maximus for repeat Aintree attempts

Last Updated 23 Oct 2024 | By Enda McElhinney | Commercial content | 18+ | Play Responsibly | T&C Apply | Wagering


2X0TCRY 13th April 2024; Aintree Racecourse, Aintree, Merseyside, England: 2024 Grand National Festival Day 3; I am Maximus ridden by Paul Townend wins The Randox Grand National Steeple Chase

Willie Mullins admits that owner JP McManus is dreaming of winning a second – and maybe even a third – Aintree Grand National with I Am Maximus.

The eight-year-old gelding enjoyed a stellar season last time out, winning three of his five starts, with his only reverses coming in Grade 1 races won by stablemate and two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs.

After collecting the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February, I Am Maximus went to Aintree and was sent off the 7/1 joint-favourite for the Grand National.

He stormed home under Paul Townend, coming away by more than seven-lengths to beat Delta Work.

His win helped propel Mullins to the trainers’ championship in Britain for the first time.

Now the Closutton supremo is targeting a return to Merseyside next spring – and it isn’t just a second Grand National that he wants to win.

Aintree the target again

Mullins says Aintree in the spring is the main target once more for I Am Maximus. Last season, he was rated 159 – 5lb ‘well-in’ on official figures – and carried 11st 6lb to victory.

Never one to shirk a challenge, Mullins has no fears about adding a few extra pounds for 2025.

“Looking at what we did last year, he ran in the Savills Chase and then the Irish Gold Cup and the Bobbyjo,” said Mullins at a press visit organised by the Jockey Club. “I’d imagine those three races will be his target this year with a view to going back to Aintree for another go at the National.

“In reality, he’s not going to have a lot more weight than he carried last year as he carried over 11st and he’s a strong horse who’s still maturing. I was delighted with how strong he came back from a summer’s grass.”

JP has his eyes on history

I Am Maximus has only run ten times in his career over fences. Three of those were at trips as short as 2m5f, while those Grade 1 defeats at Leopardstown last season were at 3m½f.

He won the Irish Grand National in 2023 at 3m5f, the Bobbyjo Chase last season at the Meath venue over 3m1½f and then the Aintree National over four-and-a-quarter-miles.

He therefore remains unbeaten when racing beyond three-miles-and-a-furlong and Mullins is making little secret of the very long-term plan connections have mapped out.

“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,” added Britain and Ireland’s champion jumps handler.

“Red Rum won three and Tiger Roll won two, and I think JP would be keen to have a horse who can try to win two and maybe try for a third one. If you don’t try, you don’t succeed so that’s the plan.”

Enda McElhinney

Enda McElhinney is a racing writer with a growing portfolio of work on both British and Irish racing, with a particular fondness for National Hunt racing. While he acknowledges there have been many great runners; there has only ever been one Denman.
@scoobsy

Latest News

Reserves to be used again for Aintree showpiece

Image from Alamy – 2X0RAJX 13th April 2024; Aintree Racecourse, Aintree, Merseyside, England: 2024 Grand National Festival Day 3; I am Maximus ridden by Paul Townend crosses the line to win The Randox Grand National Steeple Chase Reserves will once more be allowed to take their place in the Grand National at Aintree this year […]

Nicholls eyeing Grand National with Bravemansgame

Image from Alamy – 2X0CPAC Ahoy Senor ridden by Derek Fox and Bravemansgame ridden by Harry Cobden are first over the fence in the wins the 2.55pmThe William Hill Bowl Steeple Chase (Class 1) during the Randox Grand National 2024 Opening Day at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, United Kingdom, 11th April 2024 (Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News […]

Henderson considering Grand National for Chantry House

Image from Alamy – 2BACEPJ Trainer Nicky Henderson during Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham Racecourse. Nicky Henderson admits a New Year’s win for Chantry House at Cheltenham has possibly opened up an avenue towards the Grand National at Aintree for the revitalised veteran. The Seven Barrows inmate won the Betfair Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on […]
18+ | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
grandnational.org.uk is an independent professional comparison site supported by referral fees from the sites which are ranked on this site. The sites and information we present are from companies from which grandnational.org.uk receives compensation. This compensation may impact the rankings of the sites. Other factors, including our own opinions, your location, and the likelihood of signing up, may also impact how the ranking of the sites appears to a particular user. grandnational.org.uk cannot and does not present information about every betting/casino site or betting/casino site offer available.