Grand National 2024: I Am Maximus
Update: I am Maximus is the winner of the Grand National 2024. The jockey of his main rival Corach Rambler (Derek Fox) was unseated at the first fence.
Only a Gladiator could name a horse I Am Maximus.
Hardly surprising this 8-year-old bay gelding is owned by JP McManus. Reputed billionaire businessman and fearless professional gambler. Any horse racing fan worth their salt knows that earlier statement was said tongue in cheek because this horse was formerly owned by Claudio Michael Grech until the 22nd March 2023. However, I still think the name is fitting for the Irishman who is synonymous with high-profile horses.
They don’t come any bigger than the Grand National 2024.
Those familiar green and yellow silks with white cap.
I feel like running onto the course on the Saturday 13th April [4:00 Aintree] and shouting: ‘I am Maximus’ then quickly disappearing into the crowd to place a bet. If I see McManus with a wad of cash…
It’s a similar story for these connections. Willie Mullins is the a consummate professional bringing unbounded fear to English bookmakers. The Luck of the Irish. Are you kidding. They need no luck.
Just ask the Cheltenham Crowd!
Ask the bookmaker.
You always have to respect an Irish radar.
For a pot worth £1000,000 there are plenty.
I Am Maximus has been in good form. This son of Authorized is lightly raced with just 14 starts but a consistent sort with 5 wins. In fact, he’s never been out of the first four. This horse, formerly with Nicky Henderson, is untested over this extended trip of 4m 2 1/2f, having won at 3m 5f at Fairyhouse (IRE) on the 10th April 2023 to take the Irish Grand National Chase. He’s been prepared well, winning on the 24th February on testing ground (soft/heavy).
J P McManus had to wait for his first Grand National victory back in 2010. Don’t Push It (10/1JF) made it a day to remember for him and Tony McCoy. That was with trainer Jonjo O’Neill.
McManus struck again in 2021 with Minella Times. Another groundbreaking day with Rachael Blackmore prevailing for trainer Henry de Bromhead.
A special moment in time.
It has been a good few years since Willie Mullins tasted victory in the greatest steeplechase of them all. Readers will remember the noble Hedgehunter (2005) for the Closutton, Bagenalstown, Carlow handler. The utter joy of owner Trevor Hemmings.
However, there may be some competition for the number one slot at this year’s Grand National as Willie Mullins and J P McManus come with numbers. They have 4 horses in the last 51 entrant with a maximum field of 34 (from 40 due to animal welfare concerns).
Meetingofthewaters, a 7-year-old son of Court Cave is fancied to go well at odds of 9/1.
Capodanno (40/1) and Janidil (100/1) may also make the line-up.
McManus has Limerick Lace trained by Gavin Cromwell who is presently 20/1.
It will be interesting to see if the going remains heavy. However, rain or shine J P McManus will be heading to Aintree, Liverpool.
He has a strong hand.
It will be no easy feat to cover this 4m 2 1/2f on testing going. If it is battle of attrition I can’t see many of the 34 runners finishing. However, it would be no surprise to see J P McManus with a smile on his face come the finishing line.
Good luck to all.
Come home safe.