Jockey Paul Townend wins the Grand National for the second time on I Am Maximus
I Am Maximus became the first horse since Red Rum in 1977 to regain the Grand National as trainer Willie Mullins celebrated his third consecutive victory in the race at Aintree.
The 2024 winner and last year's runner-up came into the race as the 9-2 favourite and backed that up by finishing ahead of Iroko, Jordans and Johnnywho.
It made Irishman Mullins, who won the race for a fourth time in total, the first trainer since Vincent O'Brien between 1953 and 1955 to win in three successive years.
The feat means that JP McManus is now the leading owner in the history of the race with four wins - backing up the victories of Don't Push It in 2010, Minella Times in 2021 and I Am Maximus in 2024.
McManus could also boast owning three of the top four in Saturday's showpiece race, with only Jordans not in his stable.
Red Rum's second and third victories came in 1974 and 1977, and I Am Maximus is the first horse to have won the race in non-consecutive years since.
Further history for I Am Maximus was made by him, with a handicap of 11st 12lbs, becoming the first top weight to win since Red Rum carried 12 stone to victory in 1974.
Jockey Paul Townend said he felt "privileged" to be riding I Am Maximus.
He told ITV: "He's tough. He's a really, really good horse, and although Grangeclare West and Nick Rockett looked good in training, this lad wasn't telling me not to ride him.
"He is so good and has such an engine. He will gallop to the end of the world for you. I am really privileged. What a horse.
"Grand Nationals and Gold Cups are the pinnacle of the sport and I have them both."
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I Am Maximus trainer Mullins reflects on Grand National win
In a dramatic opening, last year's winning jockey on Nick Rockett, Patrick Mullins, was unseated on the fancied Grangeclare West at the first fence, before the only mare and second favourite Panic Attack fell at the third.
Ben Jones made his move on Jordans, a 28-1 shot, around the final bend, but Townend stalked the leading pack on I Am Maximus and finally made his burst for the front.
Sixteen of the 34 starting horses completed the race. Mr Vango was walked into an ambulance after falling in the race and was taken to an equine hospital for further tests.
Quai de Bourbon and Top of the Bill were assessed by Aintree vets and were cleared to travel home.
Top of the Bill jockey, Toby McCain-Mitchell, was later banned for 10 days by the stewards for failing to pull up his mount, who was seen to be tiring before falling at the last.
Jockey Robbie Dunne was taken to hospital for assessment after he came off Stellar Story but was said to be conscious and talking.
Elsewhere, trainer Dan Skelton landed wins in four of the day's seven races at Aintree with Mirabad, Bossman Jack, Mr Hope Street and Forthfactor.
In the second race of the day, Get On George was pulled up and quickly dismounted by Jack Tudor. After being assessed by on-course veterinary experts, the six-year-old had to be humanely euthanised, making it the second death, after Gold Dancer, at this Aintree meeting.
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Mullins glad McManus chose Grand National
After training the top three in last year's race, Mullins will have fancied his chances again in the world's most popular steeplechase.
But if it had not been for owner McManus, Mullins might have chosen the "Gold Cup route" for the "superstar" horse.
Mullins told ITV: "It was a good call from JP [McManus]. I'd have gone down the Gold Cup route with him, but he wanted to run him at Aintree.
"This horse is just a superstar. Nothing fazes him and he does what he has to do - runs, jumps and wins Nationals.
"Paul executed it so well. This is the race we all aspire to when we get into racing. Just to have a runner is a tremendous sensation."
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