Leading owner JP McManus witnessed I Am Maximus deliver him an exciting third victory in the Randox Grand National, capping up an amazing three days at Aintree.
Throughout the three-day meeting in Liverpool, the renowned green and gold silks of McManus were frequently spotted in the winner's enclosure. On Thursday, the Emmet Mullins-trained It's On The Line scored over the Grand National fences in the Foxhunters, and on Friday afternoon, the horse achieved a Grade One treble.
Even though McManus had expressed his preference for Limerick Lace, his wife Noreen's horse, in the run-up to the most renowned steeplechase in the world, it was his first colours that were won by the favourite, I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins, who proved to be the most impressive winner under Paul Townend's guidance.
Surrounded by his grandkids, McManus was raising the trophy for the third time as I Am Maximus became the latest winner of the Irish Grand National on Merseyside, following in the footsteps of Rhyme 'n' Reason, Bobbyjo, and Numbersixvalverde.
Following the event, he was eager to express his admiration for Aintree and the Great Race, telling
“I love Liverpool, the excitement of coming here, the build-up to the National, it’s just a very, very special place. When you win it’s a wonderful spectacle.
“The Grand National, you are always looking forward to it and what you might have for the next one because it is such a special race.
“Willie planned the campaign with this horse a long time back and thankfully it worked out.”