Saturday's win made history. I Am Maximus became the first horse since Red Rum to regain the Grand National title, carrying top weight to victory in a way that had not been done since 1974. Three days later the question is already being asked: what comes next?
Willie Mullins answered it at Aintree. JP McManus answered it on ITV Racing. The picture is clear.
Punchestown First
The immediate next target for I Am Maximus has not been confirmed as of Tuesday April 14th but the Punchestown Festival, which starts April 29th, is the most likely route. Mullins traditionally gives his best horses one final appearance at Punchestown before the summer break. For a horse whose season has been built entirely around the Grand National, a Grade 1 chase at Punchestown would represent a fitting final chapter of the 2025-26 season. Whether connections choose to run him there or send him directly to summer rest will become clear over the next two weeks.
The 2027 Grand National
McManus was direct on ITV Racing after Saturday's win. Asked about 2027, he confirmed that JP is "very keen on the National for I Am Maximus" and that the horse "loves the place and jumps the fences so well." Mullins echoed the sentiment: "Hopefully he'll be here next year."
That conversation happened within twenty minutes of the horse winning. Both the trainer and the owner confirmed the 2027 target before the trophy had been presented. The 2027 Grand National market has already opened with I Am Maximus at 12/1 to win the race for a third time — becoming the first horse since Red Rum's three victories in 1973, 1974 and 1977 to achieve a Grand National treble.
The Age Question
I Am Maximus will be eleven years old for the 2027 Grand National. No horse older than ten has won the race in the modern era — a trend that even Saturday's win does not overturn, since he was ten on Saturday. At eleven he would be running against the historical age trend. But I Am Maximus has already broken one historical trend — carrying top weight to victory — and McManus's confidence suggests connections believe his physical condition warrants the attempt.
The Weight
The BHA handicapper will almost certainly raise his mark following Saturday's win. I Am Maximus already carried 11st 12lb on Saturday — the highest winning weight since Red Rum carried 12st in 1974. Any further rise pushes him into territory where no horse has won in over fifty years. The handicapper's response to Saturday's result will be one of the most discussed ratings decisions of the summer.
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