TOTHE MAXIMUS

Grand National winner notches up a gladiatorial race victory

- PHIL CARDY and HOLLIE BONE

THE Grand National kept protests to a minimum yesterday as some 80,000 punters saw I Am Maximus romp to a thrilling victory.

The 7-1 joint favourite put in a gladiatorial performance, coming from behind and storming clear to win by seven-and-a-half lengths.

He also won a huge thumbs-up from his jockey, Paul Townend, who said: "That was an unbelievable race - and I was on an unbelievable horse. I'm a lucky boy." Delighted trainer Willie Mullins added: