Ruby Walsh gives his verdict on Paul Townend’s Grand National dilemma
Ruby Walsh says Paul Townend is in a ‘privileged position’ as he mulls over whether to ride I Am Maxmus or Grangeclare West in the Aintree Grand National.Townend, who won three of the four Championship races at last month’s Cheltenham Festival, is set to partner one of the main hopes from the powerful Willie Mullins stable.He steered I Am Maxmus to victory in the race in 2024 and was second in last year’s renewal behind stablemate Nick Rockett with Grangeclare West in third He was also on board Grangeclare West when he won the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February.Speaking at an event at Randox’s event to celebrate 10 years as sponsors of the Grand National, Walsh gave his take on Townend’s quandary ahead of the big race next Saturday.“I don’t think he needs too much advice now - you probably think that there are dilemmas or these big decisions, but they are privileged positions and privileged decisions,” said Walsh.“And to be able to try and pick one over the other is a great position to be in.“Paul has a canny habit of picking the right one. So, I don't know. . . Grangeclare West made a mistake at the last last year - might have been unlucky?“I Am Maximus, in my mind, didn’t have the perfect prep last year. So, there's not a whole lot to choose between them.“He (I Am Maximus) ran really well in the Savills Chase at Christmas and ran okay, maybe, in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup. But it just shows you the quality of the race, doesn't it? Two high class horses. I'd probably side with I Am Maximus.”Those views were echoed by Danny Mullins, who is set to ride Spanish Harlem for race sponsors Randox.“It will be very tough - I suppose Paul is lucky enough that Grangeclare West maybe got the penalty for last year, where if he hadn't got a penalty and had a much lighter weight, it would have made that decision maybe somewhat easier,” said Mullins.“In the modern Grand National, horses can come back year after year, whereas in the past they didn't tend to do it, bar your few like a Hedgehunter or Red Rum all those years ago.“Nowadays they seem to be able to come back and I think I Am Maximus is probably the one Paul will go with.”Want to see more of the stories you love from the Irish Mirror? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Irish Mirror as a preferred source, simply click here.Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond
