I Am Maximus leads the largest field of 34 declared runners as he attempts to emulate Red Rum in Saturday’s Randox Grand National.
Since Ginger McCain’s Aintree legend, no horse has won the world’s most famous steeplechase, lost the title, then regained it. Red Rum won in 1973 and 1974, finished second in 1975 and 1976, and won for the third time in 1977.
Willie Mullins’ I Am Maximus will be wearing a cheek piece for the second time, with his first appearance in December 2022, but stablemate Nick Lockett has judged him to be the only horse too good to go in 2025, when he won in the hands of Paul Townend two years ago and is looking to become the first horse since Tiger Roll to win a double.
As well as the past two winners, Mr Mullins also runs Spanish Harlem, which is owned by Dr Peter Fitzgerald, founder and owner of last year’s third place winner Grange Clare West, sponsors Randox, Leckie Watson, Champ Keeley, High Class Hero, Captain Cody and Quai de Bourbon.
Haitian Couleur, trained by Rebecca Curtis, is also aiming for a piece of history as no horse has ever won the Wales-Ireland Nationals or the Irish Nationals like the Aintree version, while Banbridge, Gerry Colombe, Firefox, Monty’s Star and Oscar’s Brother strengthen the traditional Irish strength.
Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero have two big chances, with stablemate Jagwar joining last year’s No. 4 Iroko. Like I Am Maximus, both are owned by JP McManus and the British-trained team also includes Cheltenham Festival winner Johnny Who.
Ben Poling’s Twig finished 10th last year, and Boettcher Chase’s success over the fences earlier this season reignited the All-American dreams of his connections who picked him up at 100 pounds. It will be ridden by the owner’s 21-year-old son, Beau Morgan.
“He ran well in last year’s race and was ridden for his return home, but I don’t think the plan was to move that far forward,” Reverend Pauling said.
“He’s been acting on the track and clearly enjoying the track with his win at Becher. It’s a lot harder to come back from off-pace these days, so if we can get him into a rhythm closer to pace, that’s better.”
“If he can run the first half of the field on the first circuit and keep our momentum going on the second circuit, we’ll see if he can improve on last year’s result because we know he’s in very good shape. Anything in the top 10 would be exciting for us, but anything else is a bonus.”
“He’s not a throw-in or anything, but he’s got good ground and he likes the fence, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he was there screaming for two outs and then we’ll see.
“This horse is truly a National fairytale horse, it costs next to nothing and the owner’s son rides it, but we’ll see if we can get a fairytale result.”
Jimmy Mangan’s Spillanes Tower has also been declared to run in Thursday’s Racing Welfare Bowl Chase, although he was not entered at the 72-hour declaration stage. If that happens, Pied Piper, the first of the six reserve runners, will be number 34 and lined up as the sixth runner in the race with Gordon Elliott.
If there are no runners, the deadline for reserve spots in the final field is Friday at 1 p.m.
grand national runner
1. I Am Maximus
2. Nick Lockett
3. Banbridge
4. Grange Clare West
5. Jeri Colombe
6. Haiti Couleur
7. Tower of Spillane
8. Firefox
9. Monty’s Star
10. Spanish Harem
11. Leckie Watson
12. Champion Keeley
13. Iroko
14. Favorie de Chande
15. Three-card pride
16. Oscar’s Brother
17. Mr. Vango
18. High class hero
19. Stella Story
20. View Pole
21. Captain Cody
22. Jagwar
23. Percival Regalois
24. Gorgeous Tom
25. The Real Wacker
26. Bourbon Street
27. Reply to Keif
28. Jordan
29. Final Command
30. Marble Sand
31. Panic attack
32. Top of the Building
33. Johnny Who
34. Twig
