Starting from the Lord Bagenal Inn (R93 E189), Randox Aintree Grand National winner I Am Maximus and BOYLE Sports Irish Grand National winner Soldier In Milan, trained by Emmet Mullins (Willie Mullins’ nephew), along with all connections, will parade through the village of Leighlinbridge in Co Carlow at 5pm this Thursday, April 16. Photographers and camera crews welcome.
NOTES TO EDITOR
I Am Maximus Last Saturday, I Am Maximus became the first horse since Red Rum to regain the Aintree Grand National title, giving trainer Willie Mullins his third consecutive win in the race, equalling the record set by legendary Irish trainer Dr Vincent O'Brien in the 1950s. (1953: Early Mist, 1954: Royal Tan, 1955: Quare Times)
In total, Willie Mullins has won the race four times
I Am Maximus 2026 and 2024 (Paul Townend) Nick Rockett 2025 (Patrick Mullins) Hedgehunter 2005 (Ruby Walsh) It marked a second success in the race for seven-time champion jockey Paul Townend. He steered I Am Maximus to success in 2024 and is one of the few jockeys to do the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Aintree Grand National double in the same season.
It was a record fourth win in the race for owner JP McManus who also had the second and fourth place with Iroko and Johnnywho. (2026 & 2024: I Am Maximus, 2021: Minella Times, 2010: Don’t Push It) Soldier In Milan Trained by Willie Mullins’ nephew Emmet, Soldier In Milan gave the County Carlow-based handler his first win in the BOYLE Sports Irish Grand National on Easter Monday, the richest jumps race in Ireland.
It was also a first win in the race for Kilkenny jockey Donagh Myler and owner Paul Byrne. | 
