Mac Tottie, who was pulled up, was treated by vets and walked onto a horse ambulance before being taken to the stables for further assessment. There were no concerns about any other runners
Of the 32 starters, 21 horses completed the race – the highest number across the finish line since 1992.
Rachael Blackmore looked like she might secure a second National win as Minella Indo challenged, while Kitty’s Light finished fifth for Welsh trainer Christian Williams, whose young daughter Betsy is being treated for leukaemia.
Sixth went to amateur jockey David Maxwell, riding Ain’t That A Shame, a horse he bought earlier this year and a purchase which enabled him to ride in the race for the first time.
But it was the team of Mullins, Townend and owner JP McManus who triumphed as I Am Maximus led home an Irish 1-2-3-4.
At the 13th attempt, Townend claimed his first National win while it was a second for Mullins after Hedgehunter in 2005 and McManus’ third triumph following Don’t Push It (2010) and Minella Times (2021).
Victory means Mullins is now favourite to win the British trainers’ championship, which concludes at the end of this month.
“Aintree is the first race you see, it’s the first race everyone in racing wants to see. Fantastic stuff, you just couldn’t make it up,” said Mullins.
Last year’s race had been delayed by 14 minutes after animal rights activists entered the track, but there was no disruption this time.
The number of runners had been reduced from a maximum of 40 following a safety review.
Other safety measures included a standing start for the race, which went off at the first time of asking, a reduction in height to one of the fences and added foam and rubber toe boards on every fence.
In one of the most competitive renewals for some time, there were plenty still in with chances as they approached the final couple of fences.
Loose horse Mahler Mission, who had earlier unseated rider Ben Harvey, threatened to cause problems for those at the head of the field, but luckily all were able to run their race.
It all changed at the elbow as I Am Maximus went past Minella Times and once Townend and his mount took the lead they powered home.
“The feeling passing the line is up there with the best I’ve had, but it’s a different feeling,” he said. “Grade Ones are extra special and tactical and in the Irish National and English National you need a bit of luck, the feeling winning this is unique.”
