I Am Maximus runs to the money in Grand National

I Am Maximus, the 6-1 favorite in the Grand National at Aintree, stormed home to a 7 1/2-length victory to give trainer Willie Mullins his second victory in the race. It was his first win since 2005, when he won the race with Hedgehunter.

The Grand National win was the first for I Am Maximus's rider Paul Townend. Townend, who often rides top horses for the barn, has teamed with Mullins to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup four times.

Minella Indo led after the final fence, looking primed to give Rachael Blackmore her second Grand National win. However, I Am Maximus got room between Minella Indo and the riderless Mahler Mission, drove clear, and left no doubt at the finish. Delta Work stayed on well to overtake Minella Indo for second, with Galvin chasing on for fourth.

An 8-year-old son of Authorized out of the Poliglote mare Polysheba, I Am Maximus stopped the timer in 9:27.68 for the distance of four miles and 2 1/2 furlongs over ground rated soft. The winner came into the Grand National out of a convincing 14-length victory over Vanillier in the Bobbyjo Chase (G3) at Fairyhouse on Feb. 24. In starts two and three back he was well beaten in Grade 1 company behind his stablemate Galopin Des Champs, now a two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup (G1) winner.

Corach Rambler (7-1) was well backed for his repeat bid in the Grand National off of a smart third-place finish in the Cheltenham Gold Cup (G1) in March. However, he unseated rider Derek Fox at the first fence. Fox returned to his feet quickly after being unseated.

The Grand National made several changes to the race in 2024 for safety purposes, changes that were announced last fall. The race previously allowed a field of 40 horses, though the maximum field size was trimmed to 34 for this running. The race also now begins with a standing start 60 yards closer to the finish than before, in order to ensure a slower speed going into the first fence. Other changes included an earlier start, more irrigation to water the course, a two-inch shortening of the 11th fence and a higher minimum handicap rating.

32 horses actually saw the starter Saturday, as Chambard and Run Wild Fred were scratched. 21 finished, with the rest either being pulled up or unseating their riders. Corach Rambler, Mahler Mission, Mr Incredible and early pacesetter Glengouly unseated their riders, while Mac tottie, Janidil, Foxy Jacks, Stattler, Farouk d'Alene, Chemical Energy and Minella Crooner pulled up during the running. None came out of the race due to falling at a fence.