TOWNEND HAS THE MAX FACTOR

Corkman recovers to land his first Aintree National

I AM Maximus took the Randox Aintree Grand National by storm under Paul Townend and put his trainer Willie Mullins in pole position to land the British Trainer’s Championship for the first time.

At the last fence, many were still in with a chance, and at the elbow, it seemed that Rachael Blackmore was on her way to her second National as former Gold Cup hero Minella Indo led, but 7/1 joint favourite I Am Maximus quickened up superbly for Townend to win with a bit to spare in the end.

Gordon Elliott’s great old campaigner Delta Work was second at 28/1, seven and a half lengths back, with Henry de Bromhead’s Minella Indo, also 28/1, third, another half-length away, and the Elliott-trained 40/1 shot Galvin fourth with Kitty’s Light (12/1) best of the home team back in fifth.

Ladbrokes now make Mullins (below) 4/5 favourite for the UK title, while Brian O’Keeffe of BoyleSports said: “I Am Maximus delivered a knockout blow and we were already reeling after the opening two days of the Festival. The placed horses weren’t kind to us either, but there’s always next year.”

SUCCESS

Surprisingly perhaps, it was Townend’s first Aintree National success and the Cork native said: “We didn’t have a great start to the race and he was a bit cautious on the second circuit. He didn’t get the clearest run between the second last and the last, but it kind of helped me and I felt if I got him out, he was going to start motoring and he did.”

“I had the leaders in my sights and I was hoping he would respond like he did. Gold Cups are hard to win, but Grand Nationals are just a bit different, you need so much luck and I can’t believe it, I’m a lucky boy.”

Mullins said: “He’s a great horse obviously, but certainly doesn’t work like a champion at home. He just gets on with things. He wouldn’t stand out at all, he’s unremarkable, but he’s clearly got an engine. His Irish National win was special, of course, and when he won the

Bobbyjo so easily, I really started to think he would have a big chance here.” “Watching the race, I was wondering would sticking to the inside all the way around suit him, but I could see that Paul was happy, so that was fine. Paul is riding with great confidence and, like with all top sportsmen, that clearly helps.” Earlier, the jampacked Aintree crowds rose to a sparkling display by Gordon

Elliott’s Brighterdaysahead as the aptly named 6/5 favourite buried the geldings alive when romping home in the Turners Mersey Novices Hurdle.

Jack Kennedy clearly had a double handful as he tried to ride her with restraint most of the way, but she was always up in the firing line, and they eased clear at the second last to win by doing handstands.

PROSPECT

Seven and a half lengths back in second came another Elliott-trained, Gigginstown-owned hot prospect Staffordshire Knot, who gave Sam Ewing a great spin, with 50/1 shot Bugise Seagull third another four and a half lengths adrift.

Brighterdaysahead had disappointed when finishing second at Cheltenham when sent off a hot favourite for the Mares Novice Hurdle, and a delighted but relieved Elliott said: “The horses have been running well all week, but we’ve been hitting the crossbar. I said a lot about this mare going into Cheltenham and I was gutted coming out of it, but we’re overjoyed today.

“She’s very good, I was a bit nervous before the race as she looked a bit light across her kidneys and hips, but she showed just how special she is. We can go wherever we want with her. Whether she’s the best mare we’ve had, I won’t say, as Apple’s Jade was pretty special, too, but this lady is very good.”

Elliott added: “I don’t think the trip was why she got beaten at Cheltenham.

“It was a good race, and Jade De Grugy, who finished fourth, has come out since and won at Fairyhouse. I just think on the day Jack and Paul Townend were watching each other and Golden Ace came and did them both. I’m just so happy today for everyone, and especially Michael and Anita O’Leary, who are such great supporters of ours.”

BRILLIANT

Jack Kennedy explained: “She was brilliant, I would have liked to hold on to her a bit longer, but she just brought me there.

“We were all disappointed at Cheltenham, but this more than makes up for it.”