The 2024 Grand National winner I Am Maximus will lead the weights for this year’s race at Aintree on April 11.
The Willie Mullins-trained horse, owned by JP McManus, finished second last year to stablemates Nick Rockett and Grangeclare West.
The 10-year-old also led the weights last year and will again carry the 11st 12lb. No top weight has won the world’s largest tower hunt since three-time winner Red Rum in 1974.
Iroko, who finished favorite last year behind Irish trainer Mullins’ one-two-three, has been allocated the 11th 1lb and is the current favourite.
British Horseracing Authority handicapper Martin Greenwood said: “Last year the first three horses at home were all rated 160+ [in pounds]and the Randox Grand National is the top class handicap of the season.”
I Am Maximus aims to become the ninth horse to become a multiple winner of the race.
“If it succeeds a second time, it would almost certainly be the highest mark achieved by any horse in modern times,” Greenwood added.
“Neptune Collonges was rated 168 after winning the Grand National in 2012 and Suny Bay came second after 170 in 1998.
“I Am Maximus coming second last year was one of the best modern performances in the Grand National, adding to that Tiger Roll’s second win of 2019.”
Nick Rockett (11st 11lb) has had a number of setbacks that have prevented him from competing since winning the Grand National last year at 33-1 odds.
Other Mullins runners towards the top of the weights include Grangeclare West (11st 10lb), Impaire Et Passe (11st 5lb), Spanish Harlem (11st 3lb) and Lecky Watson (11st 2lb), while last season’s King George winner Banbridge (11st 11lb) and Haiti Couleurs (11st 10lb) also top the list.
Estimated odds: 11-2 Iroquois; 12-1 I am Maximus; 14-1 Haiti Colors; 16-1 Panic Attack, Nick Rockett; 20-1 Grangeclare West, Monty’s star; 22-1 Lecky Watson, Captain Cody; 25-1 Oscar’s brother.
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