Townend’s win marks his second Grand National victory in just three years, further establishing his reputation as a leading jockey. I Am Maximus, the 9-2 favorite, had previously finished second in the Grand National the year before, showcasing a remarkable turnaround this time around.

“He’s tough, isn’t he? He’ll gallop to the end of the world for you,” Townend remarked, highlighting the horse’s determination and stamina. His connection with I Am Maximus was evident throughout the race, as they navigated the challenging course with skill and precision.

JP McManus, the owner of I Am Maximus, celebrated his fourth Grand National victory, making him the most successful owner in the event’s history. McManus expressed his deep appreciation for the race, stating, “The Grand National is something very special and there is such a tradition with it.” His success in the sport continues to grow, reinforcing his legacy in horse racing.

Trainer Willie Mullins also shared in the glory, marking his fourth Grand National win. He expressed his delight at the achievement, saying, “It’s extraordinary and I’m delighted. You could never dream of doing something like this.” Mullins joins the ranks of legendary trainers like Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell, who have also achieved similar success in this prestigious race.

Despite the celebration, Townend faced criticism earlier in the season for not pulling up his mount Gold Dancer after a bad mistake at the final fence in a previous race. However, this latest victory has undoubtedly silenced many of his detractors.

The Grand National is not just a race; it is a cultural phenomenon in the UK, traditionally the first race watched on television by many. The excitement and anticipation surrounding the event draw in millions of viewers each year, making it a highlight of the racing calendar.

As the dust settles on this year’s Grand National, observers are eager to see how Townend, Mullins, and McManus will build on this success in future races. The legacy of I Am Maximus and the impact of this victory will resonate throughout the horse racing community for years to come.

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With odds of 9-2, I Am Maximus was the favorite going into the race, and he lived up to expectations, finishing ahead of Iroko, who took second place, and Jordans, who finished third. Johnnywho rounded out the top four, showcasing a competitive field that was marred by disruptions from loose horses and falls throughout the race.

Paul Townend expressed his admiration for the horse, stating, “He’s tough. He’s a really, really good horse… What a horse.” This sentiment was echoed by owner JP McManus, who reflected on the significance of the win, saying, “It’s a very special day… The Grand National is something very special.” I Am Maximus’s victory not only solidifies his status as a champion but also highlights the exceptional training prowess of Willie Mullins.

Willie Mullins made history himself, becoming the first trainer to win three consecutive Grand Nationals since the legendary Vincent O’Brien, who last achieved this feat in 1955. Mullins praised I Am Maximus, calling him a “superstar” and noting, “Nothing fazes him and does what he has to do – runs, jumps and wins Nationals.” This victory adds to Mullins’s impressive record and cements his legacy in the sport.

JP McManus also reached a remarkable milestone with this win, becoming the first owner to have four Grand National winners. His success in the sport has been a testament to his dedication and passion for horse racing, and this latest victory is a crowning achievement in his illustrious career.

I Am Maximus’s official rating stands at 168, a figure that reflects his exceptional performance on the track. His previous win in the Grand National in 2024 further establishes him as a dominant force in the sport, and his ability to reclaim the title after two years is a rare accomplishment, with the last horse to do so being Red Rum in 1977.

The Grand National is renowned for its challenging course, featuring 30 fences that test the skill and endurance of both horse and rider. The 2026 race was no exception, with the excitement and unpredictability that the event is famous for. As the dust settles on this year’s race, the horse racing community is left to celebrate the remarkable achievements of I Am Maximus, Willie Mullins, and JP McManus.

As observers reflect on the implications of this victory, there is a sense of anticipation for what the future holds for I Am Maximus and his connections. Will he continue to dominate the sport, or will new challengers emerge in the coming seasons? Only time will tell, but for now, I Am Maximus stands tall as the champion of the 2026 Grand National.

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This remarkable victory not only highlights the prowess of I Am Maximus, a 10-year-old bay gelding, but also marks a significant achievement for trainer Willie Mullins. With this win, Mullins has become the first trainer to secure three consecutive Grand National victories since the iconic Vincent O’Brien.

The race featured a total of 34 runners, of which 16 managed to complete the challenging course. I Am Maximus was the favorite, starting at odds of 9/2, and he won by a comfortable margin of 2.5 lengths.

Owner JP McManus celebrated his fourth Grand National win, making him the most successful owner in the event’s storied history. His strategic decision to keep I Am Maximus at Aintree, rather than pursuing other prestigious races, proved to be a masterstroke.

“It was a good call from JP, 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,” Mullins remarked after the race.

Jockey Paul Townend praised I Am Maximus’s determination, stating, “He’s tough, isn’t he? He’ll gallop to the end of the world for you.” This sentiment reflects the horse’s remarkable stamina and competitive spirit.

Looking ahead, Mullins expressed hope that I Am Maximus would return for another shot at the Grand National next year, emphasizing the horse’s affinity for the course and his exceptional jumping ability.

As the dust settles on this year’s race, it is clear that I Am Maximus has not only solidified his legacy but has also become a symbol of Aintree royalty. The excitement surrounding his future endeavors in racing will undoubtedly keep fans and enthusiasts eagerly anticipating what comes next.

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JP McManus’s horse, Fact To File, was withdrawn from the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival due to unsatisfactory ground conditions. This decision has significant implications, as Fact To File was the odds-on favourite for the race.

The withdrawal was prompted by concerns over the ground, which was officially described as good, good to soft in places. Trainer Willie Mullins expressed his frustration, stating, “These horses are too hard to find, too hard to get. In jump racing we want to have soft in the description of the ground.” He noted that the promised watering of the course had not been adequately executed.

Mullins further elaborated on his concerns, saying, “I walked it, coming across the track… I said, ‘wow, this ground is going to be too good for her,’ sure enough, she wasn’t able to act on it.” This sentiment reflects the challenges trainers face when dealing with unpredictable weather and course conditions.

Fact To File had previously excelled in the Ryanair Chase, winning the race the year before by a margin of nine lengths. The horse’s withdrawal opened the door for Heart Wood, who ultimately won the race.

McManus himself commented on the situation, stating, “I found it, too much for him, I was a bit, part of the course, altogether, not to my liking.” This highlights the impact of ground conditions on the performance of racehorses.

The Ryanair Chase was scheduled for 4:00pm GMT and covers a distance of two miles and four and a half furlongs. With Fact To File out of the race, the dynamics shifted significantly, affecting the betting landscape and the expectations of fans.

As the racing community reflects on this incident, the focus will remain on how ground conditions can influence race outcomes and the decisions made by trainers and owners like JP McManus.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential future races for Fact To File or further comments from McManus and Mullins.

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“We waited all day for rain that was half-promised, so we made the decision not to run,” stated trainer Willie Mullins regarding the withdrawal of Fact To File from the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Fact To File, the reigning champion of the Ryanair Chase, had been the evens favorite to win again this year. The decision to withdraw came as the ground conditions were deemed unsuitable, with reports indicating it was Good to Soft.

Mullins, who has trained 118 winners at the Cheltenham Festival, emphasized the importance of ground conditions for his horses. “The ground is not good enough. If the ground is going to be like this we’re not going to bring them,” he added.

Owner JP McManus supported Mullins’ decision, saying, “I left it to Willy, but I can overrule him.” This highlights the trust and collaboration between the trainer and owner in making critical race day decisions.

Fact To File’s withdrawal marked a significant moment in the festival, especially considering the horse’s impressive victory last year, where it won the Ryanair Chase by nine lengths.

Following the withdrawal, Heart Wood went on to win the race, further underscoring the impact of Fact To File’s absence. The Ryanair Chase is a Grade 1 race for horses aged five years and older, making it a prestigious event in the racing calendar.

It is worth noting that the Cheltenham Festival has seen its share of tragedies, with two horses dying during the first two days of the event. This has raised concerns about the safety and welfare of the horses competing.

Fact To File was the only horse withdrawn by Willie Mullins on that day, a decision that reflects the trainer’s commitment to the well-being of his horses.

As the festival continues, the focus will shift to the remaining races and the performances of other horses, including Jonbon, who has participated in 27 races and won 20 of them.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further developments related to Fact To File’s condition or future races.

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On March 10, 2026, renowned racehorse owner JP McManus marked his 75th birthday in spectacular fashion at the Cheltenham Festival, achieving a remarkable 208-1 handicap double. This significant achievement not only highlights McManus’s enduring presence in the racing world but also cements his status as one of the most successful owners at Cheltenham.

McManus’s success was underscored by the victories of his horses, with Johnnywho triumphing in the Ultima Handicap Chase and Saratoga winning the McCoy Juvenile Hurdle. The latter’s win was particularly notable as it showcased the strength of McManus’s stable, which has consistently produced top contenders at this prestigious event.

In the Ultima Handicap Chase, Jagwar, the 3-1 favorite, was expected to perform well, but it was Johnnywho who ultimately took the lead, marking a significant comeback for jockey Richie McLernon, who celebrated his first festival win in 12 years. McLernon expressed his gratitude, stating, “It was tough being out through injury, but thanks to everybody in the NHS in Gloucester. I had a great operation there.” His return to form added an emotional layer to the day’s events.

McManus’s horses were heavily favored throughout the festival, with several priced at 4/1 and under, a testament to the confidence trainers like Jonjo O’Neill and Nicky Henderson have in their abilities. Henderson’s horse, Old Park Star, also contributed to the day’s successes by winning the Skybet Supreme Novices Hurdle, further showcasing the depth of talent within McManus’s stable.

As the day unfolded, it became clear that this was not just a celebration of McManus’s birthday but also a reflection of his legacy in the sport. With this being his 86th festival success, McManus has solidified his reputation as a formidable force in horse racing. Sir Anthony McCoy, a legendary figure in the sport, remarked that this is the best squad McManus has sent to Cheltenham, highlighting the quality and potential of the horses under his ownership.

McManus himself expressed his joy at the day’s achievements, stating, “It’s unbelievable to have a double here, and with Richie [McLernon] riding him too.” His enthusiasm encapsulates the spirit of the festival, where the thrill of competition meets the celebration of personal milestones.

Looking ahead, the future remains bright for McManus and his team as they continue to compete at the highest levels of horse racing. While the immediate successes at Cheltenham are celebrated, the racing community eagerly anticipates what is next for McManus and his stable of talented horses. Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential future races and the ongoing development of his horses.

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