JP shows his love for Liverpool

Paul Townend and I Am Maximus after winning the Aintree Grand National; (inset) Townend kisses the trophy

LEADING owner JP McManus finished an incredible three-days at Aintree by watching I Am Maximus provide him with a thrilling third triumph in the Grand National.

The famous green and gold silks of McManus were a frequent sight in the winner’s enclosure over the three-day meeting in Liverpool.

Although McManus had spoken of his liking for the chance of Limerick Lace – bred by his wife, Noreen – in the leadup to the world’s most famous steeplechase, his colours that were carried to victory by the Willie Mullins-trained favourite, I Am Maximus, who ran out the most impressive of winners in the hands of Paul Townend.

Flanked by his grandchildren, McManus was lifting the trophy for a third time as I Am Maximus joined the likes of Rhyme ‘n’ Reason, Bobbyjo and Numbersixvalverde to follow up victory in the Irish Grand National on Merseyside.

In the aftermath he was keen to stress his love for both the great race and Aintree, and told ITV: “I love everything about the race. I love Liverpool, the excitement of coming here, the build-up to the National, it’s just a very, very special place. When you win it’s a wonderful spectacle.

“The Grand National, you are always looking forward to it and what you might have for the next one because it is such a special race.

“Willie planned the campaign with this horse a long time back and thankfully it worked out.”

McManus has already played a key part in National history having provided Anthony McCoy with a long-awaited Aintree success when Don’t Push It struck in 2010. That was topped in 2021 when Rachael Blackmore rode herself into the record books aboard Minella Times in the Limerick man’s colours.