I Am Maximus Tops 34-Runner Grand National Field

I Am Maximus heads the maximum field of 34 declared for Saturday’s Randox Grand National as he attempts to follow Red Rum into the history books. No horse since Ginger McCain’s famous mount has lost the title and then regained it — Red Rum won in 1973 and 1974, finished second in 1975 and 1976, and won again in 1977.

Trained by Willie Mullins and usually ridden by Paul Townend, I Am Maximus will race in cheekpieces for only the second time (the first was December 2022). He won the race two years ago and was beaten by stablemate Nick Rockett in 2025 when trying to become the first dual winner since Tiger Roll. Mullins also saddles Grangeclare West (third last year), Spanish Harlem (owned by Randox founder Dr Peter Fitzgerald), Lecky Watson, Champ Kiely, High Class Hero, Captain Cody and Quai De Bourbon.

Rebecca Curtis brings Haiti Couleurs, who is bidding for a unique treble: no horse has yet completed wins in the Welsh National, the Irish National and the Aintree Grand National. Ireland’s challenge is further strengthened by Banbridge, Gerri Colombe, Firefox, Monty’s Star and Oscars Brother.

Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero each have a pair of major contenders in the line-up. Both handlers run Iroko, who finished fourth last year, and stablemate Jagwar — and both runners, like I Am Maximus, are owned by JP McManus, who also sends over Cheltenham winner Johnnywho.

Ben Pauling’s Twig, tenth in last year’s Grand National, renewed Grand National hopes after winning the Becher Chase and will be ridden by the owner’s 21-year-old son, Beau Morgan. Pauling said Twig performed well at Aintree last year but was perhaps ridden from too far back. He believes the horse suits the track, handled the fences and should benefit from being closer to the pace: if Twig travels in the first half of the field on the opening circuit and holds his position on the second, Pauling hopes to improve on last year’s finish. Anything inside the top 10 would be seen as a huge success, he added, calling Twig a fairytale story — inexpensive to buy and now ridden by the owner’s son.

There were no withdrawals at the 72-hour declaration stage. Jimmy Mangan’s Spillane’s Tower is also entered for Thursday’s Racing Welfare Bowl Chase; should it take part there, first reserve Pied Piper would move into the Grand National field as number 34 and become a sixth entry for Gordon Elliott. Reserves remain eligible to join the final field until 1pm on Friday.

33. Johnnywho

34. Twig