I Am Maximus enhances his Grand National claims

I Am Maximus just loves Fairyhouse and today he added the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase over an extended 3m1f to his Irish Grand National and Drinmore victories at the track.

The even-money favourite raced in third behind Minella Cronner who made most while closely attended by Aintree Grand National runner-up Vanillier

I Am Maximus showed his propensity for jumping left as the race developed, but this very solid stayer warmed to his task and was switched to challenge between horses two out.

He was finishing best and asserted before the last, however, his backers had a scary moment as he got that fence all wrong. It didn't stop his momentum in the end as he powered away Vanillier by 14 lengths.

I Am Maximus came into this rated 7lb superior to Vanillier and gave him 12lb under the conditions of the race.

Willie Mullins said: “I thought it was a magnificent performance considering how badly he jumped going away from the stands.

“He just missed one or two there and Jody (McGarvey) left him alone and let him find his own feet.

“When he got half down the back, and around the fifth last, once he saw the stands I think he just clicked into a another gear.

“I don't know how good he is, but he's certainly improving with every run. However, he does love Fairyhouse and maybe this is his track, he certainly has an engine.

“It's very hard to quicken in this ground, he has a big engine in there.

“I'd imagine he goes for the Grand National, he would look a Gold Cup horse in time but I'd imagine Aintree is his objective.

“I'm not worried about ground for him. I don't know how good he is yet because he just keeps improving.”

Sean Flanagan, jockey on runner-up Vanillier, said: "I'm very happy and I think he's run better in the race this year than he did last year. There were a lot higher quality horses in the race this year.

"He's probably got going a bit early in the race, but I wanted to get a proper race into him as I didn't think they were going to go quick. Without forcing him I was trying to force the tempo of the race. I think he's run well."

"I'm looking forward to Aintree."

Paddy Power more than halved I Am Maximus from 25/1 to 12/1 for the Aintree Grand National.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson