Mullins makes fiendish Grand National puzzle look simple with third win in a row

Trainer Willie Mullins, left, jockey Paul Townend and owner JP McManus with the winner’s trophy after victory with I Am Maximus in the Grand National. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

Remember what Gary Lineker said about football being a simple game – you play for 120 minutes and the Germans win on penalties? The Grand National now has its equivalent. Tipping the winner of the most fiendish handicap in racing really is a simple game. Forget spending weeks assessing the form, weights, trends and attributes of the 34 runners. Just trust in Willie and let history do the rest.

For a moment or two, when Jordans established a seven-length lead on the turn for home, the prospect of a 28-1 upset loomed large. But then I Am Maximus began to purr, a packed crowd of 59,962 started to stir, and soon history was being made in a chaotic and stirring race.