What happened at Aintree
I Am Maximus has become the first horse in half a century to win back-to-back Grand Nationals, storming home in the 2026 Randox Grand National to claim the famous steeplechase for a second time and pocket the £500,000 prize.
The 10-year-old, sent off as the favourite, reclaimed the crown he narrowly surrendered last year when he was beaten into second place by Nick Rockett. His latest victory makes him the first horse to regain the title since the legendary Red Rum managed the feat in 1976.
A field of 34 runners lined up for the contest, which remains the centrepiece of the three-day festival at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool and is widely regarded as the most famous steeplechase in the world.
Why this result also belongs to his jockey
The win also caps an extraordinary spring for Irish jockey Paul Townend, who now has a historic Cheltenham–Aintree double to his name. Townend rode I Am Maximus to victory only weeks after securing a record-breaking fifth Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, cementing his place among the most successful National Hunt riders of his generation.
