Willie Mullins has cemented his place among horse racing's all-time greats after I Am Maximus stormed to victory in the 2026 Grand National, giving the Irish trainer his fourth triumph at Aintree.
Mullins, 69, now shares the record for most Grand National wins by a trainer with George Dockeray, Fred Rimell, and Ginger McCain—all legends of the sport. The victory also marks his third consecutive National win, a feat last achieved by Vincent O'Brien between 1953 and 1955.
"That is some company to be up there with Vincent O'Brien," Mullins told BBC Radio 5 Live. "He is a legend of legends in the game. To be lucky enough to be mentioned in the same breath as him is just off the charts. You never dream of that sort of thing."
I Am Maximus, ridden by jockey Paul Townend and carrying 11st 12lb, became the first top-weighted horse to win since Red Rum in 1974. The 9-2 favorite made a decisive move near the famous Aintree elbow, overtaking 28-1 shot Jordans piloted by Ben Jones to claim victory.
The win also made history for owner JP McManus, who now holds the record for most Grand National victories by an owner with four—adding to previous successes with Don't Push It (2010), Minella Times (2021), and I Am Maximus (2024).
Mullins' journey to this milestone wasn't straightforward. After his first National win with Hedgehunter in 2005, he waited 19 years for another victory until I Am Maximus triumphed in 2024. Since then, he's dominated with Nick Rockett (2025) and now I Am Maximus again in 2026.
Despite his unprecedented success—including 19 Irish National Hunt Champion trainer titles and recent British championship wins—Mullins remains characteristically humble.
"I am very simple—it is about earning a living," he said. "Every year I spend more money on the gallop. I enjoy it. I enjoy the people in racing. I enjoy the people in sport."
The victory earned Mullins £500,000, though he's set to lose his British trainer title this year to Dan Skelton, who made history by becoming the first trainer to surpass £4 million in earnings. Mullins continues to battle Gordon Elliott for the Irish title, with the Punchestown Festival likely deciding the outcome.
As Mullins joins racing's most exclusive club, his reflection on the achievement speaks volumes: "The older I get, the more I enjoy it."