2026 Grand National LIVE: I Am Maximus WINS the world’s most well-known steeplechase forward of Iroko and Jordans as legendary horse regains title at Aintree
Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for the latest updates, full list of runners, odds and results from the world’s most famous steeplechase, the Grand National in Aintree.
Have we identified the winner of the £900K?
I Am Maximus certainly looks happy as a clam after the race, and ready to run a third at Aintree.
Many more pats and carrots to come when he gets home, I’d think.
£21,000 from a £10 bet? Nice work, if you can get it!
While not quite as rich as the £900,000 won by one lucky punter, another hit the jackpot with a considerably smaller stake.
Sky Bet report that one punter got the straight tricast up in the Grand National winning £21,794 from their £10 stake.
A reminder: I Am Maximus may have been the favourite, but Iroko was 18-1 – and Jordans was 28-1!
Familiar territory for Townend
… who won aboard I Am Maximus in 2024, bringing his win total, like his mount’s, to two.
He’s some way off breaking the record of George Stevens, who has a titanic five wins to his name. He was competing during the mid-19th century, mind you.
An enviable prize pot
The Grand National isn’t just prestige – with £1million split between the top 10 finishers, it’s also the biggest pot in jump racing.
I Am Maximus will take home £500,000, with Iroko taking £200,000, and Jordans claiming £100,000.
The numbers then descend all the way to tenth place, with that yard receiving £5,000.
Most punters will, at approximately 4.12pm, torn up their better slips or closed the window or app with a huff and a sigh of, ‘it’s a mug’s game’.
Not one, however.
For more on the punter who risked it all, and won big, have a look below.
Mr Vango also being treated
Like Quai De Bourbon, Mr Vango is being assessed in the stables post-race.
Hopefully, good news soon.
The Grand National’s inner circle
Only seven horses had previously won the Grand National more than once, with Tiger Roll the only runner to have done so this century.
Next up, number three for I Am Maximus?
JP McManus speaks to ITV
We have a bit to do to catch up to Red Rum, but we’ll definitely try. He’s a figurehead of the Grand National, and it’s nice to be mentioned in the same breath.
It’s just so exciting, and Paul, I’d like to compliment him on the ride. He waited on him, and sure enough, that horse delivered.
Top Of The Bill is up and walking
Promising news from the course, with Top Of The Bill up and walking back to the stables after being assessed on course.
Want to win the Grand National? Ride for JP McManus
The racing titan has the highest number of wins as an owner in the race’s history, with four wins to his name.
Robert Dunne taken to hospital
The rider of Stellar Story had a nasty fall, and has been taken to hospital. The jockey was conscious and talking, ITV report.