The Paul Townend Grand National ride has been announced after the 2024 winning rider has confirmed he’s staying loyal to I AM MAXIMUS.
Paul Townend Faced Tricky Grand National Ride Decision
Having the pick of rides at the best jumps stable in the world is not always as easy as it might look.
Yes, being attached to the Willie Mullins camp at Closutton is by far the best job for a National Hunt jockey.
However, with Mullins often having a stack of good chances in the best races, then picking the right horse to ride can often be a sleepless task for their main rider Paul Townend.
Backed up again in the 2026 Grand National.
As this year the top Irish rider had a tough call over his 2024 winner in the race – I AM MAXIMUS and last year’s third GRANGECLERE WEST.
Cases can certainly be made for both and it’s not helping Townend that both are also disputing the Grand National favourites berth.
However, in the days leading up to the big race – it’s now been confirmed that the Paul Townend Grand National ride will be on I AM MAXIMUS.
Paul Townend Grand National Ride 2026 Will Be I Am Maximus
I AM MAXIMUS
I Am Maximus went into the Aintree record books as the 2024 Grand National winner and in the process gave Paul Townend his first success in the famous race.
So – now we know – it’s easy to see why Townend has stayed loyal to the horse that gave him his big day in the Aintree sun.
The 2024 Grand National win for I Am Maximus also gave Willie Mullins a second National at the time but is now on three wins in the race after Nick Rockett landed the spoils in 2025.
That success also provided gave JP McManus another Grand National winner – taking his tally to three, after Don’t Push It (2010) and Minella Times (2021) had previous landed the spoils sporting the famous green and gold silks.
Paul Townend Grand National Ride Was Also Runner-Up In 2025
I Am Maximus also returned 12 months ago to run second in the race – beaten only 2 1/2 lengths (see below) – and is back rated just a pound higher (168).
This season he’s run well to be second in the Savills Chase over Christmas – finishing just ahead of two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs.
Plus, we know he acts well at over the Aintree fences.
He’ll be looking to be the first horse wince Red Rum to win back the National – with Rummy do this in 1977 after winning the race in 1973 and 1974.
However, the dilemma for Paul Townend was that I Am Maximus hasn’t won a race since his big day at Aintree in 2024.
As a result of the 2026 Paul Townend Grand National ride being I AM MAXIMUS – this has seen his odds shorten to the 15/2 favourite.
I Am Maximus Career In Numbers 💚🤍💛
- Age: 10
- Runs: 21
- Wins: 6
- Chase Runs/Wins: 16/4
- Prize Money: £1,102,703
GRANGECLARE WEST Will Be Ridden By Patrick Mullins
The horse that made the Paul Townend Grand National ride pick harder was Grangeclare West.
He was third in 2025 and is back only 3lbs higher (163).
Townend also guided Grangeclare West to win the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse last time out – which has been one of the best Grand National trial races in recent times.
Backed up with the last two National winners landing the Bobbyjo – I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett.
The form of that race (watch below) has also since been franked with the runner-up Gerri Colombe winning next time.
So, with Grangeclare West coming to Aintree in winning and better form than I Am Maximus – plus proven experience of the National fences – it’s not hard to see why Townend likely had some sleepless nights deciding.
Grangeclare West will now be ridden by Patrick Mullins – with the Willie Mullins Grand National jockey bookings confirming he’ll not ride last year’s winner Nick Rockett.
With Tom Bellamy getting the shock call-up to ride the 2025 National winner.
Grangeclare West Career In Numbers ❤️🤍💙
- Age: 10
- Runs: 27
- Wins: 6
- Chase Runs/Wins: 12/3
- Prize Money: £257,533
Mark Walsh Already Committed To Ride Jagwar In The Grand National
Now we know the Paul Townend Grand National ride is I Am Maximus, this will also have some wondering who the Irish JP McManus rider Mark Walsh will get the leg-up on.
However, Walsh has already committed his services to another McManus Grand National runner Jagwar, who was last seen running second in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.
Which is another decent trail in recent years – with Corach Rambler (2023) and Noble Yeats (2022) both running in that race prior to their National wins.
Could Paul Townend Have Ridden 2025 Winner Nick Rockett?
Some may also think that with last year’s winner Nick Rockett being trained by Willie Mullins too – then Paul Townend might have picked him.
However, his rider has now been confirmed as Tom Bellamy.
Did you know? The Grand National winning jockey will earn around 9% of the prize money (£500k).
When Is The Grand National 2026🗓️
📅Date: Saturday 11th April 2026
⌚Time: 4:00pm
🏇Racecourse: Aintree
🔄Trip: 4m 2 1/2f
💷Winning Purse: £500,000
📺 TV: ITV Racing / Racing TV
