McCoy has Maxi-mum respect for Mullins’ ace
Sir AP McCoy says I Am Maximus is the horse he would choose to ride in today’s Randox Grand National.
McCoy, who famously won the National at the 15th attempt on Don’t Push It, is now an ambassador for William Hill, who arranged a video montage on the St John’s Beacon in Liverpool city centre to celebrate the race.
While he may have been champion jockey 20 times, he admits that had he never won the National, he would have retired with a sense of unfulfillment.
“It’s the most famous race in the world and for that reason it is very difficult to win,” he said “I had a lot of goes before I was lucky with Don’t Push It but it is the people of Liverpool who make it special.
“It was just relief when I crossed the line on Don’t Push It. I’m not from a racing family but just like all other non-racing families, the one race you take an interest in every year is the Grand National.
“It’s gone down to 34 runners this year but does that take anything away from it? I just think it will make it harder to win because there are a lot of good horses in it.”
For the second half of his career, McCoy rode as retained rider for JP McManus, who owned Don’t Push It, and he is still involved in an advisory capacity now.
McManus runs five in today’s race, but McCoy is certain which horse would be his pick.
“I think you could make a case for all five, but I Am Maximus would still be my choice,” he said.
“I Am Maximus has won an Irish Grand National, he’s won the Grade One Drinmore Novice Chase and he won the Bobbyjo last time, which is a really good trial for the National – and with Paul Townend riding him, he ticks a lot of boxes, he’s a class horse.”