- Written by Frank Keogh
- BBC Sport at Aintree
I Am Maximus comfortably won the Grand National for jockey Paul Townend and trainer Willie Mullins.
The second favorite with a record of 7 wins and 1 loss won at Aintree by a margin of seven and a half lengths over second place Delta Work, with Minella Indo third and Galvin fourth.
“What an incredible race, an incredible horse,” Townend said.
There was early drama in the famous race, with last year's winner Coraque Rambler dropping jockey Derek Fox at the first fence.
Mac Totty was treated by veterinarians and allowed to return to trainer Peter Bowen's yard. He wasn't worried about the other runners.
Of the 32 horses entered, 21 finished the race, the most to cross the finish line since 1992.
Rachel Blackmore looked set to take her second U.S. win under the challenge of Minella Indo, but Kitty's Light finished fifth and was ridden by Welsh trainer Christian Williams, whose young daughter Betsy is being treated for leukemia. did.
Sixth place went to amateur jockey David Maxwell, riding Ain't That A Shame, a horse he bought earlier this year and was able to ride in his first race.
But it was I Am Maximus' Irish 1-2-3-4 of Mullins, Townend and owner JP McManus that won the game.
It was Townend's first national title in his 13th attempt, but it was Mullins' second after Hedge Hunter in 2005, and McManus won Don't Push It (2010) and Minera Times (2021). This was his third victory.
Another 7-1 No. 2 favorite, Limerick Race, also owned by McManus, was hoping to become the first filly to win the race since Nickel Coin in 1951, but had a few early wins. He made a mistake and retreated backwards. He ended up finishing 10th.
The win means Mullins is the favorite to win the British Trainers' Championship, which concludes at the end of this month.
“Aintree is the first race I've ever seen and it's the first race that everyone in the race wants to see. It's amazing. I couldn't help it,” Mullins said.
Last year's race was delayed by 14 minutes as animal rights activists entered the course, but this time there was no disruption.
Following a safety review, the number of runners was reduced from a maximum of 40.
Other safety measures include a standing start for the race (started upon first request), lowering the height of one of the fences, and adding foam and rubber toe boards to all fences. I did.
It was one of the most competitive renewals in a while and even as we approached the last few fences there were still plenty of chances.
Slow horse Mara Mission, who had dropped jockey Ben Harvey first, threatened to cause problems for the leading horses, but fortunately all were able to run the race.
Everything changed with an elbow as I Am Maximus passed Minella Indo and Townend and the mount took the lead and headed home strongly.
“It's the best feeling ever when you cross the line, but it's a different feeling,” he said. “Grade 1 is special and tactical and requires a bit of luck with Ireland and England, but the feeling of winning this is unique.”
Elliott and Kennedy enjoy double
Elsewhere on Saturday's card, jockeys Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy, who trained second-placed Delta Work and fourth-placed Galvin, completed a double in the Grand National.
First, his talented mare A brighter day will come He bounced back from defeat at the Cheltenham Festival to win the Turner's Mersey Novice Hurdle.
She headed to Prestbury Park as one of this week's Bunkers in the Novice Hurdle for fillies, but finished second to Golden Ace.
However, he bounced back on the road and despite facing tough opposition, the 6-5 favorite finished seven and a half lengths ahead of Staffordshire Knott.
Kennedy and Elliott then combined again to become the favorites with 11 wins and 8 losses. Found 50 He recovered in the final stages and overtook Master Chewie to win the Maghull Novice Chase.
There were also some impressive victories. strong leader In the Liverpool Hurdle, trainer Olly Murphy justified his decision to skip the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham.
With an 8-1 chance, jockey Sean Bowen took the lead from the rear and won by four and a quarter lengths.
