Mullins confirms I Am Maximus for repeat Aintree attempts
2X0TCRY 13th April 2024; Aintree Racecourse, Aintree, Merseyside, England: 2024 Grand National Festival Day 3; I am Maximus ridden by Paul Townend wins The Randox Grand National Steeple Chase
Willie Mullins admits that owner JP McManus is dreaming of winning a second – and maybe even a third – Aintree Grand National with I Am Maximus.
The eight-year-old gelding enjoyed a stellar season last time out, winning three of his five starts, with his only reverses coming in Grade 1 races won by stablemate and two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs.
After collecting the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February, I Am Maximus went to Aintree and was sent off the 7/1 joint-favourite for the Grand National.
He stormed home under Paul Townend, coming away by more than seven-lengths to beat Delta Work.
His win helped propel Mullins to the trainers’ championship in Britain for the first time.
Now the Closutton supremo is targeting a return to Merseyside next spring – and it isn’t just a second Grand National that he wants to win.
Aintree the target again
Mullins says Aintree in the spring is the main target once more for I Am Maximus. Last season, he was rated 159 – 5lb ‘well-in’ on official figures – and carried 11st 6lb to victory.
Never one to shirk a challenge, Mullins has no fears about adding a few extra pounds for 2025.
“Looking at what we did last year, he ran in the Savills Chase and then the Irish Gold Cup and the Bobbyjo,” said Mullins at a press visit organised by the Jockey Club. “I’d imagine those three races will be his target this year with a view to going back to Aintree for another go at the National.
“In reality, he’s not going to have a lot more weight than he carried last year as he carried over 11st and he’s a strong horse who’s still maturing. I was delighted with how strong he came back from a summer’s grass.”
JP has his eyes on history
I Am Maximus has only run ten times in his career over fences. Three of those were at trips as short as 2m5f, while those Grade 1 defeats at Leopardstown last season were at 3m½f.
He won the Irish Grand National in 2023 at 3m5f, the Bobbyjo Chase last season at the Meath venue over 3m1½f and then the Aintree National over four-and-a-quarter-miles.
He therefore remains unbeaten when racing beyond three-miles-and-a-furlong and Mullins is making little secret of the very long-term plan connections have mapped out.
“After the National last year I thought he was a Gold Cup horse and I still do, but I think connections are much happier to go back to the National,” added Britain and Ireland’s champion jumps handler.
“Red Rum won three and Tiger Roll won two, and I think JP would be keen to have a horse who can try to win two and maybe try for a third one. If you don’t try, you don’t succeed so that’s the plan.”
