The Grand National is just around the corner, and with the official weights announcement on Tuesday 11th February, the build-up to the 2025 race is in full swing. This is always a key moment for punters and racing enthusiasts, as it gives a clearer picture of how the field might shape up ahead of the race.
For many in the Bromsgrove area, this year’s Grand National is another chance to get involved in the excitement. Whether you’re following the event from home, placing a bet, or enjoying the race with friends at one of the local pubs, the weights announcement will set the tone for how the race could unfold.
One horse that’s likely to be on the minds of many is I Am Maximus. In 2024, he produced an impressive victory on his Aintree debut, winning the Grand National carrying a weight of 11st 6lb. It was a strong feat for a horse burdened by such a load, given only one horse carrying more than 11st 7lb has won the famous race since Red Rum’s third victory in 1977.
The win of I Am Maximus sparked considerable excitement about his future in the race. And this year, with the horse sure to carry even more weight, all eyes will be on how he handles the extra challenge.
Despite the extra pressure, trainer Willie Mullins isn’t overly concerned about the added weight, explaining that it shouldn’t be a drastic change for I Am Maximus:
“In reality he’s not going to have a lot more weight than last year because he carried over 11st, so it’s not like a 10st 5lb horse going up to 11st 5lb or something – and he’s matured and he’s still maturing.”
Mullins has also been pleased with the horse’s progress since returning from a summer break: “I was really delighted with how he came back from a summer’s grass and how strong he came back, so I think he could make that jump and carry the weight, at least that’s what we hope.”
Jockey Paul Townend was a key factor in the success of I Am Maximus, with his calm, tactical approach to the race standing out. Mullins praised Townend for his brilliant ride: “Paul gave him a fantastic ride last year. He rode him so cool and so cold and then when he asked him to go, to quicken like he did, I don’t think we’ve seen a horse do that for years in Aintree.”
As we await the weight announcement on Tuesday, I Am Maximus is currently the 12/1 favourite for the 2025 Grand National. With Mullins confident in the horse’s ability to handle the extra weight, the question remains: will he be able to repeat last year’s victory?
Mullins believes that the horse can rise to the challenge, adding, “We’re going to have to take whatever the handicapper gives us, but when you look at what he did in the last half-mile last year, you’d be hoping he’ll be able to rise to it.”
Expect plenty of speculation and excitement as the weights are released and the final line-up takes shape.
This is a submitted article
