I Am Maximus 16/1 to win 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup after Grand National win

I Am Maximus has been priced up at 16/1 to win the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup after his runaway Grand National success.

What was so impressive about I Am Maximus's win wasn't just the distance, but the speed he picked up after the elbow, surging away from his rivals to record a seven-and-a-half-length victory.

Having been given one of the top weights - only four horses carried more than I Am Maximus's 11st6lbs - it remains to be seen whether or not he goes for a repeat success.

It may be that owner JP McManus stays with the Grand National route; if I Am Maximus could win so comfortably off 11st6lbs, it's not beyond the realms of possibility he'd go back to back if given four pounds more, racing off the top weight of 11st10lbs.

The race is as easy as it's ever been, with fences significantly lowered, the first fence pushed back and the field reduced to 34, and even with additional weight, it may be worth the gamble going back to Aintree considering the prize money is nearly twice that of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

But considering the jumping ability, staying power and speed of Willie Mullins' charge, a return to the Cheltenham Festival may be on the cards.

I Am Maximus has raced in the Baring Bingham Novices' Hurdle, taking on the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase the following year, skipping the Festival in 2024 with Aintree the target.

But already a Grade 1 winner at Fairyhouse last December, Mullins may look for more success in the Irish Grade 1s, particularly the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas, before the Irish Gold Cup in February.

Any odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.

Liam Williams

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