I Am Maximus Makes Grand National History for Authorized

I Am Maximus wrote his name into the history books at Aintree when regaining his Randox Grand National crown, providing Capital Stud resident Authorized with a record fourth victory in the world’s most famous steeplechase.

The Willie Mullins-trained ten-year-old, ridden by Paul Townend, produced a tremendous weight-carrying performance under 11st 12lb to become the first horse since the legendary Red Rum in 1977 to regain the Grand National crown.

Successful in the race in 2024 before finishing second in 2025, I Am Maximus returned to Aintree as the 9/2 favourite and once again proved himself ideally suited to the unique demands of the National.

Townend kept the son of Authorized towards the inside for much of the contest, gradually working his way into contention. Still only fourth jumping the final fence, I Am Maximus made relentless progress, catching the leader by the Elbow before powering clear to defeat Iroko, with Jordans in third.

The victory was a remarkable achievement under top weight, with I Am Maximus racing from an official rating of 168.

For Authorized, the success established a new modern-era record in the Grand National.

The Capital Stud resident has now sired the winner of the great race on four occasions through two exceptional horses.

Tiger Roll first put Authorized on the Grand National roll of honour when completing his famous back-to-back victories in 2018 and 2019.

I Am Maximus followed with his first Aintree triumph in 2024 and, after finishing runner-up 12 months later, returned to the winner’s enclosure in 2026 to become Authorized’s second dual Grand National winner.

I Am Maximus was bred in France by Ronald Huggins and George William Tiney and is out of the Poliglote mare Polysheba. He was conceived during Authorized’s time at Haras du Logis in France.

The 2007 Derby winner returned to Europe to stand at Capital Stud in 2023 and has established an outstanding record as a National Hunt sire. In addition to his dual Grand National heroes Tiger Roll and I Am Maximus, his leading performers include Grade 1 winners Nichols Canyon, Readin Tommy Wrong, Echoes In Rain and Let Me Love.

With four Grand National victories and two dual winners of the race, Authorized has established a remarkable legacy at Aintree and further cemented his position among the outstanding National Hunt sires of the modern era.