I Am Maximus became a two-time Grand National winner as trainer Willie Mullins celebrated his third consecutive victory in the race at Aintree.
The 2024 winner and last year’s runner-up came into the race as the 9-2 favourite and backed that up by finishing ahead of Iroko, Jordans and Johnnywho.
It made Irishman Mullins, who won the race for a fourth time in total, the first trainer since Vincent O’Brien between 1953 and 1955 to win in three straight years.
The win means that JP McManus is now the leading owner with four wins in the historic race – backing up the victories of Don’t Push It in 2010, Minella Times in 2021 and I Am Maximus in 2024.
I Am Maximus is also the first horse to win the race in non-consecutive years since Red Rum’s second and third victories came in 1974 and 1977.
McManus could also boast owning three of the top four in Saturday’s showpiece race, with only Jordans not in his stable.
Further history for I Am Maximus was made by him becoming the first top weight at 11st 12lbs to win since Red Rum carried 12 stone to victory in 1974.
Jockey Paul Townend said he felt “privileged” to be riding I Am Maximus.
He told ITV: “He’s tough. He’s a really, really good horse, and although Grangeclare West and Nick Rockett looked good in training, this lad wasn’t telling me not to ride him.
“He is so good and has such an engine. He will gallop to the end of the world for you. I am really privileged. What a horse.
“Grand Nationals and Gold Cups are the pinnacle of the sport and I have them both.”
In a dramatic opening, last year’s winning jockey on Nick Rockett, Patrick Mullins, was unseated on the fancied Grangeclare West at the second fence, before the only mare and second favourite Panic Attack fell at the third.
Ben Jones made his move on Jordans, a 28-1 shot, around the final bend, but Townend stalked the leading pack on I Am Maximus and finally made his burst for the front.
Sixteen of the 34 starting horses completed the race. Quai de Bourbon was walked into an ambulance after falling, while jockey Robbie Dunne was taken to hospital for assessment after a fall on Stellar Story.