Townend likely to make late call on Grand National ride

Paul Townend plans to leave a decision on which horse he will ride in the Randox Grand National “as late as possible”.

Fresh from winning a record fifth Cheltenham Gold Cup aboard Gaelic Warrior, Townend must now decide whether to keep faith with I Am Maximus, who he steered to glory in the 2024 renewal and was also on board when he finished second last season, or switch to last year’s third Grangeclare West.

There was only half a length between the pair 12 months ago as they chased home another Willie Mullins-trained runner in Nick Rockett, who is once again likely to be partnered by the champion trainer’s son, Patrick.

“Somebody asked me the other day who I’d be riding and whether there was a decision to be made, and my response was – in these big races, there is always a decision to be made,” Townend told Betfair.

“I Am Maximus gave me one of my greatest days in the saddle here two years ago, but there wouldn’t be much between him and Grangeclare West on the face of it, so you really have to try and take sentiment out of it.

“It’s probably a decision that I’ll leave as late as possible, as I’d say the ground will have a big bearing on it. We can’t get ahead of ourselves, though, and we just have to try and get both horses to Aintree fit and firing, and if we can do that, then they both go there with big chances once again.”

I Am Maximus is the 15-2 favourite with Betway to become the first horse to win a second Grand National after being beaten in the Aintree spectacular since the great Red Rum, who of course claimed three victories between 1973 and 1977.

Townend is five from six aboard Grangeclare West – a 10-1 shot with the same firm – most recently guiding him to victory in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February.