Hair-raising moment I Am Maximus goes out of control in front of hundreds of fans on Grand National victory parade
THIS is the hair-raising moment I Am Maximus went out of control in front of hundreds of fans as the Grand National winner revelled in his homecoming parade.
The exuberant eight-year-old flung himself onto his hind legs as Willie Mullins and Co took him on a victory walk through the village of Leighlinbridge in Co Carlow, Ireland.
Mullins did the same last month for Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs.
And winning jockey Paul Townend was there again to join the parade which began at the Lord Bagenal Inn, just up the road from Mullins’ Closutton yard.
I Am Maximus was on his best behaviour for the majority of the walk, as locals lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the winner of the world’s most famous race.
But the tense moment he reared he was caught on camera in a spectacular photo.
Fortunately, his two handlers quickly brought him back under control and the festivities continued.
I Am Maximus’ £500,000 National win has launched Mullins to the top of the British champion trainers’ league.
And he is now going all out in his quest to see off rivals Dan Skelton and Paul Nicholls.
First up is a tilt at Saturday’s Scottish National, where one of his runners has been hammered in the betting.
And who’s to say he won’t do the same next season?
I Am Maximus has already been rated the best winner of the Aintree feature this century.
And now he looks all set to take on Galopin Des Champs in next year’s Gold Cup.
Mullins told the Racing Post of future plans: “I Am Maximus is in great shape. He’s bounced out of the race very well.
“We’ll train him like a Gold Cup horse now. He deserved to be aimed at that and we’ll see how that goes.
“He’s not an easy ride but Paul Townend makes it look very easy.
“It’s been an incredible season and Saturday was very, very special.
“When Galopin Des Champs was paraded after the Gold Cup we didn’t know how many would show up, but they turned up in their hundreds as well.
“These are wonderful occasions. It’s been a huge season.”
Unlikely though it is, if there’s a dead-heat they could both be back as winners again next year.
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org