I Am Maximus produced one of the most scintillating performances in the modern-era of the Randox Grand National on Saturday. The son of Authorized won the race by seven lengths in 2024, before finishing second to stablemate Nick Rockett last year. He was heavily backed in before the off this time, and duly obliged off top-weight.
The performance was one of sheer class, under a remarkably timed Paul Townend ride. He received an RPR of 176, 2lbs higher than Tiger Roll’s 174 in 2019. The BHA Handicapper Martin Greenwood was evidently impressed, as he told the Racing Post: “I think it’s safe to say that in the modern era he’s up there with the best winners. Perhaps the best winner of them all,
“Suny Bay was second off 170 , which is the highest-rated placed horse in modern times. It’s harder historically, but we think Crisp was on about 173 when he was second. So I Am Maximus is there with the greatest performers in the race.
“I’m pretty sure connections will be aiming for the race again next year. So he’ll be given the chance to win for a third time, which is exciting.
“Why wouldn’t he come back next year and be thereabouts once again?” – Donald McCain
If I Am Maximus does return for a third time, then he’ll be bidding to emulate the great Red Rum. He became the first horse since Red Rum to regain the Grand National, with Mullins joining Ginger McCain on a record four National victories.
Speaking to the Press Association, via Racing TV, Ginger’s son Donald McCain stated it was highly likely he’ll match the record: “He’s a high-class horse and it’s nice to see a horse carrying top-weight to victory in a Grand National. He’s a great dual winner of the modern National.
“In the new era of Grand National the best horses are more likely to win and there’s the condensed handicap. He’s a high-quality horse and why wouldn’t he come back next year and be thereabouts once again?”
McCain added his own piece of Aintree history when winning the race with Ballabriggs in 2011. While he clearly respects the achievements of I Am Maximus’, he lends to the suggestion it’s not entirely comparable with his father’s Red Rum.
“It’s a race that has changed beyond recognition, even though it is still the greatest spectacle in horseracing. You convince yourself it has changed and it doesn’t matter, but it does. When you’re not there and you haven’t got a runner in the race it definitely matters.”