I Am Maximus Clinches Victory at 2024 Grand National

I Am Maximus, ridden by jockey Paul Townend and trained by Willie Mullins, claimed victory at the 2024 Randox Grand National at Aintree. The 7-1 co-favourite crossed the finish line ahead of Delta Work, with Minella Indo taking third place. The race was completed without any significant incidents or protests, a notable contrast to the previous year's disruptions caused by animal rights activists.

This year's event saw a reduction in the number of runners from the traditional 40 to 34, in a bid to enhance safety measures for the participants. Course modifications included softer fences, achieved by incorporating foam and rubber toe boards. The race's schedule was also adjusted, starting 75 minutes earlier than usual to ensure the course remained as soft as possible.

Townend celebrated his first Grand National win, while this victory represented Mullins' third success in the iconic race. Last year's winner, Corach Rambler, experienced an early fall, but both the horse and rider Derek Fox were reported to be safe post-race, along with all other participants. The adjustments to the event and the absence of incidents allowed for a focused celebration of the sporting achievement, with the owners, including JP McManus, expressing their joy over the win.