David Casey, assistant to champion trainer Willie Mullins, has identified I Am Maximus as the horse he would choose to ride in the upcoming Randox Grand National. A retired jockey turned key team member, Casey has helped prepare Mullins’ stable for a potential hat-trick in the £1 million race. Mullins previously secured victories with Nick Rockett, who led a stable 1-2-3 finish last year, I Am Maximus in 2024, and Hedgehunter in 2005. One more win would place him alongside Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell as the race’s most successful trainers.

Casey’s Preferred Mount: I Am Maximus

Casey highlights I Am Maximus for his superior preparation this season. “If I had to pick one, I’d go with I Am Maximus,” Casey stated. “He’s had a bit of a stronger preparation this year than he did last time. He missed the Bobbyjo this year, but that was planned, whereas last year we hadn’t intended for him to miss it but he missed a couple of days of work. This year he goes in with a much better prep.”

The horse triumphed in 2024 and finished second last year, proving his affinity for the course. Despite carrying 11st 12lbs, Casey believes class outweighs weight concerns in the current field.

Assessment of Nick Rockett and Ground Conditions

Nick Rockett benefited from ideal circumstances last year under Patrick Mullins’ expert ride, but this season has been disrupted. He skipped the John Durkan and Christmas races before qualifying at Down Royal. “It hasn’t been an ideal prep and you’d have to be a bit sceptical of his chances for that reason,” Casey noted.

Both Nick Rockett and I Am Maximus thrive on better ground, a condition expected to favor several stablemates. “I also think it will benefit the likes of Captain Cody, High Class Hero and Lecky Watson,” Casey added. “They probably haven’t been able to show as much this season because the ground has been so bad in Ireland throughout the winter. I think those three in particular will really be suited by the nicer ground.”

Captain Cody, last year’s Scottish National winner on firmer terrain, and High Class Hero, who performed strongly at Sandown under similar conditions, stand to gain most.

Strong Cases for the Full Stable

Casey sees potential across all nine runners. Grangeclare West placed third last year after a misfortune at the final fence and recently won the Bobbyjo convincingly, positioning him among the top trio.

Champ Kiely, a Grade 1 winner and proficient jumper, may prefer softer ground but could contend if he stays the distance. Spanish Harlem delivers inconsistent results but excels on his best days, including a Kerry National victory and a near-win in the Thyestes before unseating.

Quai De Bourbon bypassed the Irish National wisely, finishing third there last year after a demanding schedule. His recent Leopardstown run signals further progress. “You can make a case for all of our nine runners this year,” Casey concluded.