As the 2025 Grand National approaches, the racing world turns its collective gaze toward Aintree once more, where I Am Maximus stands on the precipice of history. The defending champion carries not merely the burden of favouritism but the weight of potential immortality—an opportunity to join the select pantheon of consecutive winners in the world’s most challenging steeplechase.

Should the Willie Mullins-trained phenomenon triumph and live up to expectations when assessing Grand National runners and odds, he would emulate the consecutive victories achieved by Tiger Roll (2018-19) and, before him, the incomparable Red Rum (1973-74).

As October marks the 30th anniversary of Red Rum’s passing, his legacy endures, symbolising exceptional athleticism and resilience that transformed him from a modest racehorse into a national icon. ​

The 1973 duel with Crisp

Red Rum’s association with the Grand National began in 1973 when the eight-year-old, trained by Ginger McCain and ridden by Brian Fletcher, produced one of the greatest performances in racing history. Facing the Australian champion Crisp, who had built a seemingly insurmountable 15-length lead after the final fence, Red Rum launched a relentless pursuit up the punishing Aintree run-in.

With each stride, the deficit diminished until, mere yards from the finish, he swept past the exhausted front-runner to claim victory by three-quarters of a length.

The dramatic nature of this triumph was matched by its technical excellence—the winning time of nine minutes and 1.9 seconds established a new course record that would stand for seventeen years.

Back-to-back victories

Remarkably, this extraordinary victory represented merely the opening chapter in Red Rum’s Aintree odyssey. Twelve months later, carrying the significantly increased weight of 12 stone, he returned to claim a second consecutive National, a feat not achieved since Reynoldstown in 1936.

This performance, characterised by metronomic jumping and tactical perfection, confirmed his exceptional affinity for Aintree’s unique demands and cemented his growing reputation as a steeplechaser of rare quality.

The runner-up years

The following two renewals saw Red Rum finish second, valiant in defeat but unbowed. In 1975, carrying top weight, he was defeated by L’Escargot, while in 1976, he found only Rag Trade too good.

Lesser horses might have faded from prominence after such setbacks, but Red Rum’s remarkable consistency and courage only enhanced his growing public affection.

By now, he had transcended the boundaries of racing, emerging as a genuine cultural icon whose achievements resonated with audiences far beyond the sport’s traditional following.

The crowning treble: 1977’s triumphant return

The defining moment in Red Rum’s storied relationship with Aintree arrived in 1977. Now a twelve-year-old veteran, he returned for a fifth consecutive Grand National appearance, an achievement remarkable in itself given the race’s notorious attritional nature.

Many observers questioned whether the ageing champion could recapture former glories, but under new jockey Tommy Stack, Red Rum delivered a performance of consummate brilliance.

Tracking the leaders with characteristic patience, he moved smoothly into contention at the third-last fence before drawing clear with imperious authority.

His 25-length victory represented not merely a third Grand National triumph but the perfect demonstration of his unique mastery of Aintree’s demands.

Becoming an icon

Red Rum’s achievements transcended statistical accomplishment, however profound. His story resonated so powerfully because it embodied racing’s most cherished narratives—the transformation of the seemingly ordinary into the extraordinary through the alchemy of understanding and opportunity. Purchased for 6,000 guineas as a horse with chronic foot problems, his redemption under McCain’s care represented triumph against adversity in its purest form.

An enduring legacy

In the three decades since Red Rum’s passing, the Grand National has witnessed many outstanding performances and compelling stories.

What remains unmatched is the consistent excellence he demonstrated over five consecutive Nationals—three victories and two second-place finishes representing an achievement unlikely ever to be surpassed.

As I Am Maximus prepares for his date with destiny in the 2025 renewal, racing enthusiasts will watch with excitement and anticipation. Yet whatever the outcome, Red Rum’s legacy as the ultimate Grand National performer remains secure—the benchmark against which all Aintree aspirants must ultimately be measured.

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