I Am Maximus set for summer break Dual Grand National winner I Am Maximus is to return to owner J P McManus’ Martinstown Stud in the coming week, with plans already in place for an historic treble attempt in 2027. Winner of the 2024 renewal of the showpiece Randox Health-sponsored race and runner-up in 2025, I Am Maximus led home a ‘1-2-4’ for owner McManus on Saturday, when beating 33 rivals. The success provided both trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend with a clean sweep of racing’s biggest prizes, having won Cheltenham’s Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase last month, with I Am Maximus now a candidate to emulate legendary Red Rum’s three wins in the famous Aintree race. McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry reports "I A Maximus is well and pulled out of the race great. He had a great prep this year, so went there in great form and got a great ride from Paul. It all worked out very well and he is home in one piece. “I Am Maximus parades in Leighlinbridge tomorrow and then returns to Martinstown the following week. We normally bring him back in from grass the week after Galway (early August) and, next season, he will follow a similar path back to Aintree.” Initially successful when rated 159 in 2024, I Am Maximus competed from ratings of 167 (in 2025), 168 (on Saturday) and has been raised 5lb for his recent success, with Berry adding “He got raised to 173 and has had a lot of luck around Aintree already, but loves the place and stays really well. “We’ll enjoy this one but it would be nice to think he could go down the same path next season and return with a chance again. Saturday was a great day, it was all brilliant. Paul gave him a great ride and Willie had him in great order.” Regarding McManus’ other five runners in the race, he added “All the National horses came out of the race very well and the three trained in England are finished for the year. The English horses Iroko (runner-up) and Johnnywho (fourth) both ran blinders and Jagwar is fine after his fall. They're all finished for the season. "Oscars Brother is fine and might run in Punchestown - probably in the Grade 1 three-miles novice. We'll see how he is nearer the time and Perceval Legallois, who has had problems, will continue to tip away now."
