The Grand National is the ultimate test of horse and rider, where skill, stamina, and a touch of luck are essential for success. As the 2025 edition nears, I Am Maximus sets the standard after his dominant win last April.
Trained by Willie Mullins, he showcased the perfect blend of jumping precision, tactical awareness, and staying power—key traits for conquering Aintree’s gruelling four-mile-plus course, where a single mistake can end a race in an instant.
Unlike any other event in jump racing, the Grand National demands more than just class. It challenges every aspect of a horse’s ability, redefining what makes the ultimate Aintree contender.
As the tape rises, the Aintree roar erupts—a thunderous wave of anticipation from thousands of racing fans packed along the rails. Dressed in their finest, they clutch betting slips after carefully assessing the Grand National betting—filled with hopeful excitement, their eyes fixed on the runners charging towards the first fence. It’s a moment where tradition meets raw emotion, the heartbeat of a race that defines legends.
In this article, we explore the key attributes that define a true Grand National contender, going beyond traditional handicapping to uncover what it takes to conquer Aintree.
Contents
The physical traits of an Aintree specialist
A true Grand National contender is built for stamina and durability. These horses are typically taller, athletic, and well-balanced, allowing them to handle Aintree’s 30 demanding fences while maintaining their stride and rhythm.
This becomes crucial after the Canal Turn, where weaker stayers start to tire, shortening their stride, while potential winners keep galloping strongly, maintaining their form right to the finish.
The most successful recent champions – from Neptune Collonges and Many Clouds to Minella Times and I Am Maximus – share this distinctive physical template: medium-sized, athletic horses with high withers, sloping shoulders and powerful hindquarters that facilitate both jumping efficiency and sustained forward momentum, while Tiger Roll proved that a lighter, nimbler horse could still conquer the course twice.
Technical jumping prowess under pressure
While stamina forms the baseline requirement, jumping proficiency under intense pressure represents the most visible determinant of Grand National success. The technical demands at Aintree differ substantially from conventional steeplechasing, requiring adaptability rather than textbook technique.
The most successful Grand National horses demonstrate what trainers term “intelligent jumping” – the capacity to measure each unique obstacle and adjust their approach accordingly. This often manifests in a somewhat economical jumping style that preserves energy while maintaining forward momentum.
Historical analysis of recent winners reveals a common thread – horses who maintain a consistent jumping rhythm throughout, particularly from Becher’s Brook to Valentine’s on the second circuit, when fatigue begins to compromise coordination in lesser horses.
The psychological equation
Perhaps the most overlooked component of Grand National success lies in temperament – both equine and human. The relentless intensity of the occasion tests mental resilience as thoroughly as physical capability.
Successful horses demonstrate remarkable focus amidst the chaotic energy of 40 runners, maintaining composure through the thunderous charge to the first fence and the inevitable positional compromises that follow.
For jockeys, the psychological equation is equally complex. The most accomplished Grand National riders – from Ruby Walsh to Davy Russell and Derek Fox – share a distinctive capacity for spatial awareness and split-second decision-making while operating under extreme physiological stress.
Looking ahead
Now we arrive at the 2025 National, and the weight of expectation from those making a bet on horse racing is all on I Am Maximus.
The handicapper’s assessment has resulted in a significant eight lb increase from last year’s winning mark, leaving the nine-year-old shouldering a burdensome 11st 12lbs.
I Am Maximus’s 2024 Grand National win was defined by his ability to stay strong when others tired, delivering a relentless late surge.
His jumping remained sharp under pressure, allowing him to gain ground efficiently. However, carrying more weight in 2025 presents a new challenge, particularly in the crucial final half-mile.
History suggests that added weight doesn’t hinder jumping but can sap finishing speed as energy stores deplete. If he is to defend his title, he must overcome this extra burden when it matters most.
