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Will it be two on the trot for I Am Maximus in the 2025 Grand National?
As the 2025 Grand National approaches, the spotlight intensifies on I Am Maximus, currently priced at 10/1, as he aims to defend his title in this prestigious steeplechase. Trained by the illustrious Willie Mullins, I Am Maximus has demonstrated remarkable prowess on the National Hunt circuit. This article delves into his profile, previous form, latest performances, and assesses his prospects for the upcoming Grand National.
Horse Profile
I Am Maximus is a nine-year-old bay gelding, foaled on 27 March 2016. Sired by Authorized out of the mare Polysheba, he possesses a lineage conducive to stamina and jumping aptitude. Initially trained by Nicky Henderson in the UK, he transitioned to Willie Mullins’ yard in Ireland in 2022, a move that has significantly bolstered his chasing career.
Previous Form and Major Victories
Under Nicky Henderson, I Am Maximus showcased potential, notably winning a bumper at Cheltenham in October 2020 and a maiden hurdle at Newbury in December 2021. A respectable fourth-place finish in the 2022 Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival highlighted his promise. Post-transfer to Willie Mullins, his career ascended, marked by a victory in a Grade One novice chase over 2m5f, underscoring his versatility.
The pinnacle of his achievements came on 13 April 2024, when he clinched the Grand National at Aintree. Carrying 11st 6lb, I Am Maximus delivered a commanding performance, defeating Delta Work by seven and a half lengths. This victory not only etched his name in the annals of racing but also affirmed his aptitude for the demanding 4m2f course.
Recent Performances
The 2024/2025 season has presented challenges for I Am Maximus. On 28 December 2024, he was pulled up in the Grade 1 Savills Chase at Leopardstown, a race dominated by Galopin Des Champs. Subsequently, on 1 February 2025, he finished eighth in a ten-runner field at Leopardstown over 3m 70y on yielding ground, trailing the winner by 17 lengths.These performances have raised concerns regarding his current form and readiness to defend his Grand National title.
Trainer Profile: Willie Mullins
Willie Mullins stands as a titan in National Hunt racing, with a career adorned by numerous accolades, including multiple Cheltenham Festival winners and a previous Grand National victory. His adeptness at preparing horses for marquee events is well-documented, and his handling of I Am Maximus reflects his strategic acumen. Mullins has expressed a desire to emulate the legendary Red Rum by securing consecutive Grand National victories with I Am Maximus, a testament to his ambition and the horse’s potential.
Grand National 2025 Prospects
I Am Maximus faces the formidable task of carrying top weight of 11st 12lb in the 2025 Grand National, a burden last successfully shouldered by Red Rum in 1974. This weight assignment reflects his status but also poses a significant challenge over the gruelling Aintree course.
The competition is robust, with notable entries such as Intense Raffles, the Irish Grand National winner, currently favoured at 7/1, and Iroko, another strong contender. The withdrawal of Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin has slightly altered the dynamics, potentially easing the path for other entrants.
Conclusion
I Am Maximus’s quest to defend his Grand National title is laden with both historical significance and formidable challenges. While his recent form has been underwhelming, the expertise of Willie Mullins and the horse’s proven stamina and jumping ability cannot be discounted. Carrying top weight adds to the complexity of the task ahead. Nevertheless, if I Am Maximus can recapture the form that propelled him to victory in 2024, he remains a credible contender in the 2025 Grand National.
