I Am Maximus Tops Weights for 2025 Grand National

I Am Maximus, last year's Grand National winner, has been assigned top weight of 11st 12lb as he aims for back-to-back victories in the prestigious race set for April 5. Trainer Willie Mullins acknowledges the challenge of carrying top weight, noting that no horse has achieved this feat since Red Rum in 1974. The nine-year-old, owned by JP McManus, triumphed in 2024 by seven and a half lengths and will compete against strong contenders, including Royale Pagaille and L'Homme Presse. Mullins has ten entries in total for this year's race and is optimistic about I Am Maximus's chances, given his positive experience at Aintree last year. The horse is currently a joint favorite alongside Inothewayurthinkin, despite the weight increase from last year. If successful, I Am Maximus would make history by winning off the highest mark seen in the 21st Century.