Paul Townend’s victory aboard I Am Maximus at this year’s Grand National wasn’t just another win. It placed the Irish jockey in an exclusive group of riders who have won the world’s most famous steeplechase more than once, and it gave the 2026 renewal a sense of history that few editions can match.
I Am Maximus became the first horse since Red Rum to regain his Grand National crown, and Townend rode a composed race to deliver it. For those following the win and each-way markets at Aintree, the 9/2 favourite delivered exactly what the market expected, carrying top weight to victory in a renewal packed with early drama and fallers.
Across its near 190-year history, the Grand National has produced a handful of jockeys who have managed to win the race more than once. Here are the riders who stand above the rest.
George Stevens – five wins
No jockey in the history of the Grand National has come close to what George Stevens achieved. Between 1856 and 1870, Stevens won the race five times on four different horses, including back-to-back victories aboard The Colonel in 1869 and 1870. His record has stood for more than 150 years, and nobody has seriously threatened it.
Brian Fletcher – three wins
Brian Fletcher won the Grand National three times, first aboard Red Alligator in 1968 at the age of 20, then twice more on Red Rum in 1973 and 1974. The 1973 victory is among the most celebrated in the race’s history: Fletcher and Red Rum trailed Crisp by 15 lengths at the final fence and reeled him in on the run-in to win by three-quarters of a length.
Tom Olliver – three wins
Tom Olliver won the Grand National three times across an 11-year span, riding Gay Lad in 1842, Vanguard in 1843, and then Peter Simple in 1853. That final victory is remarkable in itself: Peter Simple was 15 years old at the time, making him the oldest horse ever to win the race, a record that still stands. Olliver rode in 19 Grand Nationals in total, including 17 consecutively.
Arthur Nightingall – three wins
Arthur Nightingall won three times across more than a decade, on Ilex in 1890, Why Not in 1894, and Grudon in 1901. The 1901 race took place during a snowstorm, with a heavy drift across the course. His composure in difficult conditions was a hallmark of his riding, and his ability to return to Aintree and win over such a long period sets him apart.
Tommy Beasley – three wins
Tommy Beasley won back-to-back Grand Nationals in 1880 and 1881 on Empress and Woodbrook, then returned nine years later to win on Frigate in 1889. He was one of four Irish brothers who between them rode in 34 Grand Nationals. Beasley later became a champion flat jockey too, winning the Irish Derby three times after hanging up his jumping saddle.
Tommy Pickernell – three wins
Tommy Pickernell rode under the alias Mr Thomas and won the Grand National three times: on Anatis in 1860, The Lamb in 1871, and Pathfinder in 1875. The story attached to his final win suggests Pathfinder carried an under-the-weather Pickernell around Aintree to win by half a length. He rode in 17 Grand Nationals and only retired after a fall left him blind in one eye at the age of 43.
Jack Anthony – three wins
Jack Anthony won the Grand National three times in nine years, riding Glenside in 1911, Ally Sloper in 1915, and Troytown in 1920. His wins either side of the First World War reflect how disrupted racing was during that period, with the 1916-18 renewals moved to Gatwick. Anthony was also Welsh champion jockey in 1914 and 1922, with six places from 12 Aintree rides underlining his consistency over the course.
