In a historic display of dominance at Aintree, Irish trainer Willie Mullins has etched his name into the annals of racing folklore. By securing victory in the 2026 Grand National, Mullins achieved his third consecutive win in the world’s most famous steeplechase, equalling a legendary record previously held only by Vincent O’Brien.
The victory was delivered by I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend, who overcame a late challenge to secure the win. The triumph marks a remarkable sequence of success for Mullins, who has now won the race three years in a row, following victories with I Am Maximus in 2024 and Nick Rockett in 2025. This feat puts the 69-year-old trainer in the company of O’Brien, who first achieved three straight wins between 1953 and 1955 with Early Mist, Royal Tan, and Quare Times according to BBC Sport.
Beyond the consecutive win record, the 2026 race cemented Mullins’ overall standing in the competition. This was his fourth total Grand National victory, equalling the records of Ginger McCain, Fred Rimell, and George Dockeray. His journey to this milestone has been one of patience; after winning his first National with Hedgehunter in 2005, Mullins waited 19 years for his next triumph in 2024 as reported by the BBC.
A Historic Performance by I Am Maximus
The victory for I Am Maximus was not merely a win for the trainer, but a historic achievement for the horse. By winning the 2026 race, I Am Maximus became the first horse since the legendary Red Rum in 1977 to regain the Grand National, having previously won the event in 2024 per BBC Sport.
The horse also defied the odds of the handicap. Carrying a weight of 11st 12lb, I Am Maximus became the first top weight to win the race since Red Rum carried 12st in 1974. Entering the race as the 9-2 favourite following significant late betting support, the nine-year-old demonstrated remarkable resilience. Jockey Paul Townend described the horse as a “quirky devil” but praised his bravery and cleverness via Tournaments.com.
The race reached a climax near the Aintree elbow. Whereas 28-1 shot Jordans had established a seven-length lead on the turn for home, Townend stalked the leaders and burst for the front to secure the victory. A crowd of 59,962 witnessed the historic moment according to The Guardian.
Record-Breaking Success for JP McManus
The victory also brought unprecedented success for owner JP McManus. With the win by I Am Maximus, McManus has now secured four Grand National victories, establishing himself as the leading owner in the history of the race as detailed by BBC Sport.
His record-breaking tally includes wins with:
- Don’t Push It (2010)
- Minella Times (2021)
- I Am Maximus (2024)
- I Am Maximus (2026)
Despite the record, McManus remains ambitious. He stated that he intends to return next year to challenge Red Rum’s iconic record of three wins in a single event, noting, “We have some catching up to do, but we will certainly try” according to Tournaments.com.
Mullins’ Reflection on a Legendary Career
For Willie Mullins, the achievement is a moment of profound professional satisfaction. Reflecting on equalling Vincent O’Brien’s record, Mullins told BBC Radio 5 Live: “That is some company to be up there with Vincent O’Brien. He is a legend of legends in the game. To be lucky enough to be mentioned in the same breath as him is just off the charts. You never dream of that sort of thing” via BBC Sport.
Mullins, who turns 70 in September, attributed the win to the temperament of I Am Maximus. He described the horse as a “superstar” who simply does what is required—jumping, galloping, and staying without being fazed by the pressure according to The Guardian.
| Trainer | Consecutive Wins | Years | Horses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vincent O’Brien | 3 | 1953–1955 | Early Mist, Royal Tan, Quare Times |
| Willie Mullins | 3 | 2024–2026 | I Am Maximus, Nick Rockett, I Am Maximus |
As the racing world digests this historic sequence, the focus now turns to the future of I Am Maximus and the continued ambitions of the Mullins stable. With a record-equalling four total wins and a historic three-year streak, Mullins has solidified his status as one of the greatest trainers of his generation.
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