Mullins has sights firmly fixed on National repeat with I Am Maximus

I Am Maximus carried 11st 6lb to National glory — and with the top-weight capped at 11st 12lb, Mullins can see no reason why he will not put up a staunch defence of his crown

REPEAT MISSION: I Am Maximus and Paul Townend win the Grand National at Aintree last April. Picture: Healy Racing 

Willie Mullins has his eyes firmly fixed on a Randox Grand National repeat with last season's Aintree hero I Am Maximus.

Almost 20 years on from claiming his first victory in the world's most famous steeplechase with Hedgehunter in 2005, the master of Closutton doubled his tally on Merseyside in April, with I Am Maximus justifying his status as a 7-1 joint-favourite with a dominant display under Paul Townend.