Townend’s triumph marks his second Grand National win in just three years, a feat that has solidified his reputation in the world of horse racing. After facing criticism for his handling of Gold Dancer in a previous race, Townend’s performance this time around was nothing short of exemplary.

“He’s tough, isn’t he? He’ll gallop to the end of the world for you,” Townend remarked, reflecting on the resilience of I Am Maximus. The horse’s journey to this victory was not without its challenges, as he had finished second in the Grand National the previous year.

JP McManus, the owner of I Am Maximus, celebrated his fourth Grand National victory, making him the most successful owner in the race’s history. “The Grand National is something very special and there is such a tradition with it,” McManus said, highlighting the significance of the event.

Willie Mullins, the trainer of I Am Maximus, also expressed his delight, stating, “It’s extraordinary and I’m delighted. You could never dream of doing something like this.” Mullins joins the ranks of legendary trainers like Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell with his fourth Grand National win.

The Grand National is not just a race; it is a cultural phenomenon in the UK, often the first race many watch on television. This year’s event continued that tradition, drawing in fans and spectators eager to witness the excitement.

As the dust settles on this year’s Grand National, observers are left to ponder what lies ahead for both Paul Townend and I Am Maximus. With a legacy now firmly established, the future looks bright for the duo, and the racing world will undoubtedly be watching closely.

The post Paul Townend Triumphs Again with I Am Maximus at the Grand National appeared first on PandaRadio.

The race saw I Am Maximus start as the favorite at odds of 9-2, and he did not disappoint his supporters. With an official rating of 168, the horse showcased his exceptional talent and determination, finishing ahead of Iroko, who claimed second place, and Jordans, who took third. Johnnywho rounded out the top four, but it was I Am Maximus who stole the show.

Trainer Willie Mullins celebrated a significant milestone as well, becoming the first trainer to win three consecutive Grand Nationals since the legendary Vincent O’Brien. Mullins expressed his pride in the horse, stating, “This horse is just a superstar. Nothing fazes him and does what he has to do – runs, jumps and wins Nationals.” His words echoed the sentiments of many who witnessed the thrilling spectacle.

Owner JP McManus also made history with this victory, becoming the first owner to have four Grand National winners. He shared his joy, saying, “It’s a very special day… The Grand National is something very special.” His enthusiasm was palpable, especially considering the challenges faced during the race, which was disrupted by loose horses and falls.

As the race unfolded, I Am Maximus demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill, overcoming the demanding course that features 30 fences. Paul Townend, who rode the horse to victory, praised his mount, saying, “He’s tough. He’s a really, really good horse… What a horse.” Such accolades reflect the bond between horse and rider, crucial in a race of this magnitude.

The last time a horse regained the Grand National title was in 1977, a feat that adds to the significance of I Am Maximus’s win. This victory not only highlights the horse’s exceptional capabilities but also cements his place in the annals of horse racing history.

As fans and participants reflect on this year’s Grand National, the excitement surrounding I Am Maximus’s performance continues to resonate. Observers are eager to see what the future holds for this remarkable horse and his team, as they prepare for upcoming challenges in the racing calendar. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his next race, but one thing is certain: I Am Maximus has left an indelible mark on the sport.

The post Who Won the Grand National 2026: I Am Maximus Triumphs Again appeared first on PandaRadio.

The victory marks a remarkable achievement for trainer Willie Mullins, who has now become the first trainer to win three successive Grand Nationals since the legendary Vincent O’Brien. Mullins expressed gratitude for the support of owner JP McManus, stating, “It was a good call from JP, I’d been going down the Gold Cup route with him, but he said to stay in Aintree with him as he felt he was well handicapped.”

JP McManus also celebrated a historic milestone, becoming the most successful owner in Grand National history with four wins. His faith in I Am Maximus was rewarded, as the horse had previously finished second in last year’s race, making this victory all the more poignant.

In the 2026 race, a total of 34 runners competed, with only 16 completing the challenging course. Following I Am Maximus were Iroko in second place, Jordans in third, and Johnnywho finishing fourth. The odds for I Am Maximus were set at 9/2, reflecting the confidence many had in his ability to perform.

Jockey Paul Townend praised I Am Maximus, saying, “He’s tough, isn’t he? He’ll gallop to the end of the world for you.” His determination and spirit shone through, captivating the hearts of fans and spectators alike.

As the dust settles on this year’s Grand National, the racing community is abuzz with excitement and anticipation for the future. Willie Mullins hinted at the possibility of I Am Maximus returning next year, stating, “Hopefully he’ll be here next year, JP is very keen on the National for I Am Maximus, he says he loves the place and jumps the fences so well.”

I Am Maximus is now regarded as “Aintree royalty,” a fitting title for a horse that has etched his name into the annals of racing history. This victory not only highlights the horse’s exceptional talent but also the unwavering support from his team, making it a story of triumph and legacy.

The post Grand National Results: I Am Maximus Reclaims His Title appeared first on PandaRadio.

JP McManus’s horse Fact To File has been withdrawn from the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, a decision that has significant implications for the race. The withdrawal was primarily due to ground conditions that were deemed unsuitable for competitive racing.

Reasons Behind the Decision

Willie Mullins, the trainer of Fact To File, expressed his frustration regarding the ground conditions, which were officially described as good, good to soft in places. He noted that the horses are too difficult to find and that in jump racing, softer ground is preferable.

Mullins stated, “We waited and waited for the rain that was half-promised, it hasn’t come so we made the decision not to run.” This sentiment was echoed by JP McManus, who remarked, “I found it, too much for him, I was a bit, part of the course, altogether, not to my liking.”

Fact To File had previously excelled in the Ryanair Chase, winning the race the year before by a notable nine lengths. Before the withdrawal, Fact To File was the odds-on favourite for the race, which is run over a distance of two miles and four and a half furlongs.

Outcome of the Race

With the withdrawal of Fact To File, Heart Wood emerged victorious in the Ryanair Chase, marking a significant shift in the race’s anticipated outcome. The scheduled race time was set for 4:00pm GMT, but the absence of the previous year’s champion altered the competitive landscape.

Looking Ahead

As the Cheltenham Festival progresses, the implications of this withdrawal may continue to unfold. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further actions or adjustments that may be taken by connections of the withdrawn horse or the organizers of the event.

The post Jp mcmanus appeared first on PandaRadio.

“We waited all day for rain that was half-promised, so we made the decision not to run,” said trainer Willie Mullins regarding the withdrawal of his horse Fact To File from the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Fact To File, who won the Ryanair Chase in 2025 by a notable nine lengths, was the evens favorite to repeat his success this year. However, the ground conditions were deemed unsuitable, described as Good to Soft, prompting the decision to withdraw.

Mullins, who has trained 118 winners at the Cheltenham Festival, the most in its history, faced a difficult choice. JP McManus, the owner of Fact To File, stated, “I left it to Willy, but I can overrule him,” indicating the collaborative nature of their decision-making.

In a further comment, Mullins noted, “The ground is not good enough. If the ground is going to be like this we’re not going to bring them,” underscoring the importance of track conditions in horse racing.

Following Fact To File’s withdrawal, Heart Wood went on to win the Ryanair Chase. This event marked a significant moment in the festival, especially considering that two horses had tragically died during the first two days of the event.

Fact To File was the only horse withdrawn by Mullins on that day, highlighting the unique circumstances surrounding this decision. The Ryanair Chase is a Grade 1 race for horses aged five years and older, making it a prestigious event in the racing calendar.

While the decision was made with the horse’s welfare in mind, it also raised questions about the racing conditions at the festival. The anticipation for Fact To File’s performance was high, given his previous year’s victory.

As the festival continues, the focus will shift to the remaining races and the performance of other competitors like Jonbon, who has participated in 27 races and secured 20 wins.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the implications of this withdrawal on future races for Fact To File and the Mullins stable.

The post Fact To File Withdrawn from Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham Festival appeared first on PandaRadio.

On March 10, 2026, JP McManus celebrated his 75th birthday in remarkable fashion, achieving a stunning 208-1 handicap double at the prestigious Cheltenham Festival. This milestone not only highlights McManus’s enduring legacy in the world of horse racing but also marks his 86th festival success, solidifying his status as one of the most successful owners in the event’s history.

Victorious Horses

Among the standout performances, Johnnywho clinched victory in the Ultima Handicap Chase, overcoming odds of 18-1. The horse’s win was particularly significant for jockey Richie McLernon, who celebrated his first festival race win in 12 years. McLernon expressed his gratitude, stating, “It was tough being out through injury, but thanks to everybody in the NHS in Gloucester. I had a great operation there.” This victory was a testament to McLernon’s resilience and determination.

Additional Wins

Another notable win for McManus came from Saratoga, who triumphed in the McCoy Juvenile Hurdle. The success of these horses reflects the strength of McManus’s stable, which included Jagwar, the 3-1 favorite in the Ultima Handicap Chase. The performance of these horses at Cheltenham underscores McManus’s strategic investments and keen eye for talent.

Expert Opinions

Sir Anthony McCoy, a celebrated figure in horse racing, remarked that this is the best squad McManus has sent to Cheltenham, indicating the high expectations surrounding his horses. Additionally, Nicky Henderson‘s horse, Old Park Star, won the Skybet Supreme Novices Hurdle, further contributing to the impressive tally of wins for McManus’s stable.

Market Performance

McManus’s horses were notably priced at 4/1 and under for several races, reflecting the confidence in their capabilities. This strategic positioning in the betting markets often correlates with strong performances, and the results at Cheltenham were no exception. The combination of skilled training and competitive odds has proven to be a winning formula for McManus.

Looking Ahead

As the Cheltenham Festival continues, the anticipation for further developments remains high. The New Lion, a contender in the Champion Hurdle, is among the horses that could add to McManus’s impressive record. With the festival still underway, racing enthusiasts are eager to see how McManus’s horses will perform in the coming days.

A Legacy of Success

JP McManus’s achievements at Cheltenham not only celebrate his personal milestones but also reflect his significant impact on the sport of horse racing. His dedication to the sport and his horses continues to inspire both fans and fellow owners. As the festival progresses, the legacy of McManus’s contributions to horse racing remains firmly in the spotlight.

The post JP McManus Celebrates 75th Birthday with Historic Wins at Cheltenham appeared first on PandaRadio.