Willie Mullins Makes Grand National History with Third Consecutive Victory

Willie Mullins entered the record books once again on Saturday when I Am Maximus stormed to victory in the Grand National at Aintree, becoming only the third trainer in history to win the world's most famous steeplechase three years consecutively.

The triumph sealed a remarkable sequence that puts Mullins alongside Vincent O'Brien, who achieved the feat between 1953 and 1955, and confirmed his status as perhaps the greatest trainer of his generation. A crowd of 59,962 witnessed the occasion at Aintree, where drama unfolded almost from the start.

For a fleeting moment, the outcome appeared far from certain. When Jordans opened up a seven-length advantage heading to the final fence, an upset at 28-1 seemed possible. But Paul Townend guided I Am Maximus through traffic on the inside, switching tactics when repeatedly blocked by his own horses, and the nine-year-old found top gear when it mattered most.

Mullins, who turns 70 in September, expressed quiet amazement at his horse's capacity to deliver under pressure. He just does what he needs to do. He jumps, he gallops, he stays, and nothing seems to disturb him. Townend, who also rode the winner in 2024, paid tribute to the horse's remarkable temperament. He is a quirky devil but an incredibly brave horse and very clever. He has been tremendous to me.

Owner JP McManus celebrated a fourth National victory, establishing a new record, but immediately turned attention to returning next year to challenge Red Rum's iconic three-win stranglehold on the event. We have some catching up to do, but we will certainly try, McManus said. The legendary Irish punter, known as The Sundance Kid in betting circles, declined to confirm whether he had backed the winner. I had a little on, came his now-famous response.

I Am Maximus had been backed into 9-2 favouritism during the final half-hour of betting, with one punter reportedly placing 100,000 pounds at 8-1 odds. The bookmaking industry faces another painful year after Mullins' dominance.

The trainer himself remains hungry for more success. Despite the wettest winter in four decades affecting his preparation, he revealed ambitious plans to continue building his operation. I love the sport, I love the people in it, and racing remains a great leveller. When you have a good day, you truly appreciate it.

Mullins' fourth win in the race equals Fred Rimell and Ginger McCain, but with younger horses in his yard and clear appetite for further conquests, the benchmark could yet be surpassed.