Millionaire property developer has last laugh after buying horse and riding in Grand National
I Am Maximus earned the win for Willie Mullen at the Grand National but amateur jockey David Maxwell will see his finish on Ain’t That A Shame as a successful day out after finishing in the top 10 and getting his share of the prize money
Millionaire amateur jockey David Maxwell recorded an astonishing sixth-placed ride in the Grand National to quieten his critics.
The London property developer made his debut in the Aintree race on Ain’t That A Shame after purchasing the Henry de Bromhead-trained 10-year-old a matter of weeks ago. The horse finished 17th last year under Rachael Blackmore for previous owners Robcour.
Maxwell, 45, combines his business endeavours with a passion for riding as an amateur jump jockey. The dream-chaser had ridden over Grand National fences in the Foxhunters’ Chase ahead of Saturday but was able to find success in unknown territory in front of 80,000 people to land sixth from 34 starters.
The part-time jockey will pick up a £30,000 prize for his ride in the showpiece event as Maxwell adds another sterling memory to his racing collection. The owner-ride has partnered 69 winners after buying horses which are in training at some of the racing’s top stables.
Following the race Maxwell said: “That was as much fun as you can have with your trousers on!”
He added: “Crossing the Melling Road I couldn’t believe I was still in touch, but I could also see so many going well. It wasn’t like there was just the three of us travelling well. I thought bloody hell I’m going to finish the Grand National!
“Then I thought I’m going to finish somewhere near the frame! I’ve never thought it would go like this. It was such a thrill. Damn right I’ll be back here next year. The horse is going to have to run in the race until he is 15!”
Maxwell grew up in a racing family but did not take up race-riding in a meaningful way until his late 20s. His father Jeremy trained 1988 Grand National winner Rhyme ‘N’ Reason from their family yard in Northern Ireland as a young horse before selling him.
Maxwell had no desire for financial gain or self-promotion in enterting the National and was instead driven by passion to target the world ’s most famous steeplechase.
He explained: “It is certainly not for financial gain! It is not for betting and it is not for self-promotion – it is solely because I’m a little kid who loves his pony. They are just wonderful animals, and being able to race them is a fantastic thing, a fantastic privilege.”
Ain’t That A Shame was given odds of 40-1 to take victory in the race as pre-race joint favourite I Am Maximus secured victory. Paul Townend rode the horse to glory as trainer Willie Mullins earned his first Grand National victory in 19 years having previously triumphed with Hedgehunter.
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