I Am Maximus
| I Am Maximus | |
|---|---|
 Racing silks of Owner John P McManus | |
| Sire | Authorized |
| Grandsire | Montjeu |
| Dam | Polysheba |
| Damsire | Poliglote |
| Sex | Gelding |
| Foaled | 27 March 2016 |
| Country | France |
| Trainer | Willie Mullins |
| Record | 22: 7-5-2[1] |
| Earnings | £1,602,703[1] |
| Major wins | |
| Irish Grand National (2023) Grand National (2024, 2026) Drinmore Novice Chase (2023) | |
I Am Maximus (foaled 27 March 2016) is a French-bred and Irish-trained Thoroughbred racehorse which competes in National Hunt racing and won the Irish Grand National in 2023, and twice won the Grand National in 2024 and 2026.
Racing career
I Am Maximus began his career being trained by Nicky Henderson,[2][3] in the yard at Seven Barrows, Berkshire.[4]
He made his debut ridden by Nico de Boinville in a bumper at Cheltenham on 24 October, 2020, winning from a field of 14 over 2 miles.[2] He won over hurdles for the first time on December 15, 2021 at Newbury, from a field of 13.[3]
In November 2022, I Am Maximus was moved to Willie Mullins’ stables based at Closutton, Bagenalstown, County Carlow, in the Ireland.[5]
I am Maximus was entered for the 2023 Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at Cheltenham finishing 4th.[5] Following this effort, I Am Maximus was sold by owner Claudio Michael Grech on the 22nd March 2023, for an undisclosed fee to Irish businessman J. P. McManus.[5] Following this purchase, he won the Irish Grand National at odds of 8/1.[6]
I Am Maximus entered the 2024 Grand National and was assigned a weight of 11st 6lb,[7] Starting as the 7/1 joint favourite he went on to win the race by 7 and a half lengths.[8]
For the 2025 Grand National I Am Maximus was assigned the heaviest weight of 11st 12lb,.[9] and finished in second place. His starting price was 7/1 again making him slight second favourite to Iroko. However, 33/1 outsider Nick Rocket won the race that year.
I Am Maximus won the 2026 Grand National carrying the top weight of 11st 12lb, this time starting a heavy 9/2 favourite after being backed heavily before the race.[10]
After his second Grand National win on 11 April 2026, his record was 7 wins, 5 seconds, 2 thirds, from 22 races.[1] His career earnings totalled £1,602,703 [1]
Grand National record
| Grand National | Position | Jockey | Age | Weight | SP | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1st | Paul Townend | 8 | 11-6 | 7-1 | [8] |
| 2025 | 2nd | Paul Townend | 9 | 11-12 | 7-1 | [9] |
| 2026 | 1st | Paul Townend | 10 | 11-12 | 9-2 | [10] |
References
- 1 2 3 4 "I Am Maximus- Race Record & Form - Racing Post". racingpost.com. Retrieved 11 April 2026.
- 1 2 "Results From Cheltenham - Saturday, 24th October 2020". horseracing.net. 24 October 2020. Retrieved 6 December 2020.
- 1 2 "12:50 Newbury 15 Dec 2021 Prodec Networks Maiden Hurdle (Novices' Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier)(Class 4) (4yo+) (2m69yds) 2m½f Good To Soft hurdles". racingpost.com. 15 December 2021. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
- ↑ "Nicky Henderson Seven Barrows". lambourntrainers.com. 17 February 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Grand National Winner 2024: I Am Maximus". grandnationalwinners.co.uk. Retrieved 11 April 2026.
- ↑ "Irish Grand National: I Am Maximus lands Fairyhouse prize with never-say-die ride from Paul Townend". Sky Sports.
- ↑ "I Am Maximus (FR) | Horse Profile | Sky Sports Horse Racing". Sky Sports.
- 1 2 Paley, Tony; Glendenning, Barry; Wood, Greg; Paley (now), Tony; Glendenning (earlier), Barry (April 13, 2024). "Grand National 2024: I Am Maximus wins thrilling race at Aintree – as it happened" – via www.theguardian.com.
- 1 2 "Grand National 2026: I Am Maximus heads weights for Aintree race". BBC Sport. February 17, 2026.
- 1 2 "Grand National 2026: I Am Maximus becomes two-time winner - reaction". bbc.co.uk. April 11, 2026.