I Am Maximus One Win Away from Matching Red Rum’s 50-Year Grand National Record

Fifty years after Red Rum became the first and only horse to win three Grand Nationals, I Am Maximus has the opportunity to equal one of horse racing’s most famous records at Aintree in April 2027.

The Willie Mullins-trained chaser has won two of the last three editions of the Grand National, claiming victory in 2024 and 2026, either side of a runner-up finish in 2025.

With an outstanding record of two victories and a second-place finish from three appearances, I Am Maximus will return to Aintree chasing a place alongside Red Rum in Grand National history.

The 2027 renewal takes place on Saturday 10 April, almost exactly 50 years after Red Rum secured his third and final victory on 2 April 1977.

Can I Am Maximus Finally Match Red Rum’s Record?

Red Rum’s three Grand National victories remain one of the greatest achievements in British horse racing, with the legendary chaser winning the famous steeplechase in 1973, 1974 and 1977.

Trained by Ginger McCain, Red Rum also finished second in 1975 and 1976, giving him an extraordinary record of five consecutive top-two finishes at Aintree.

Despite numerous outstanding Grand National winners over the following decades, no horse has managed to match his three victories.

Tiger Roll came closest in recent years, securing consecutive successes in 2018 and 2019, but he never contested another Grand National.

I Am Maximus is now in a position to challenge the record, having become the first horse since Red Rum to regain the Grand National title after losing it.

His first success came in 2024, when Paul Townend guided him to an impressive victory. The following year, he finished second behind stablemate Nick Rockett before returning in 2026 to reclaim his crown.

Remarkably, I Am Maximus carried 11st 12lb to victory last April, becoming the first horse this century to win the Grand National under that weight.

His record demonstrates an exceptional ability to handle Aintree’s famous fences, something that has proved difficult for even the most accomplished National Hunt horses.

What Makes I Am Maximus Such a Strong Grand National Contender?

Winning the Grand National once is a considerable achievement, but I Am Maximus has demonstrated remarkable consistency across three consecutive appearances.

The demanding four-mile contest presents a unique challenge, with runners required to navigate 30 fences while competing against a large field of experienced staying chasers.

However, I Am Maximus has repeatedly produced his best performances at Aintree, displaying the stamina, jumping ability and finishing speed required to compete at the highest level.

His victory in 2026 was particularly significant, with the JP McManus-owned horse defying top weight to secure his second Grand National success.

The handicap remains one of the biggest challenges ahead of his fourth appearance, although the current maximum weight of 11st 12lb means he cannot be asked to carry more than he did in 2026.

I Am Maximus will also be 11 years old when the 2027 Grand National takes place, but his performances over the famous fences suggest he still has the qualities required to challenge.

With two victories already secured, another success would place him alongside Red Rum as the joint-most successful horse in Grand National history.

Willie Mullins Outlines Plans for I Am Maximus’ Historic Bid

Willie Mullins has already confirmed his intention to prepare I Am Maximus for another Grand National appearance, with the Irish trainer planning to follow a similar schedule to last season.

Speaking in October, Mullins revealed that he was pleased with his stable star’s condition following his summer break and hopes another familiar preparation can produce a third victory.

The John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown on Sunday 22 November has been identified as a possible starting point, followed by the Savills Chase at Leopardstown in December and the Irish Gold Cup in January.

Those races would provide I Am Maximus with three potential outings before his return to Aintree.

Mullins has also spoken about the prospect of seeing his horse mentioned alongside Red Rum, describing the achievement as something he would particularly cherish.

“We will keep it simple, keep a routine, and hopefully he might be lucky enough to get a third Grand National,” Mullins said.

The trainer has dominated the Grand National in recent years, winning the last three editions with I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett.

Another victory in 2027 would give Mullins a record fifth Grand National triumph and make him the first trainer to win four consecutive renewals of the race.

However, the opportunity for I Am Maximus to equal Red Rum’s long-standing record would arguably represent an even more significant achievement.

A Grand National 50 Years in the Making

The 2027 Grand National promises to be a particularly significant occasion, with the race taking place half a century after Red Rum’s historic third victory.

Red Rum’s achievements have remained unmatched for five decades, despite generations of outstanding horses attempting to win the world’s most famous steeplechase.

I Am Maximus now has an opportunity that few horses have enjoyed, having already won the race twice and finished second in his only other appearance.

His route to Aintree will become clearer over the winter, with Mullins looking to have his stable star ready for another attempt at the £1 million contest.

The Randox Grand National Festival takes place from Thursday 8 to Saturday 10 April 2027, with the Grand National itself scheduled for 4pm on the final afternoon.

Should I Am Maximus cross the winning line first, he would become only the second horse in history to win three Grand Nationals, exactly 50 years after Red Rum achieved the feat.

Grand National 2027 FAQs

When is the 2027 Grand National?

The 2027 Grand National will take place on Saturday 10 April at Aintree Racecourse, with the race scheduled to begin at 4pm.

Can I Am Maximus equal Red Rum’s Grand National record?

Yes. I Am Maximus has already won the race twice, in 2024 and 2026. Another victory in 2027 would see him equal Red Rum’s record of three Grand National wins.

When did Red Rum win his third Grand National?

Red Rum won his third and final Grand National on 2 April 1977, having previously won in 1973 and 1974.

How many times has I Am Maximus competed in the Grand National?

I Am Maximus has competed in the Grand National three times, winning in 2024 and 2026 and finishing second in 2025.

Who trains I Am Maximus?

I Am Maximus is trained by Willie Mullins and owned by JP McManus. Mullins has won four Grand Nationals, including the last three consecutive editions.