WHEN joint favourite “I am Maximus” romped home as 7-1 winner in the Grand National it drew a particularly loud cheer from one Warrington family.
For great grandma Linda Miller, 79, of Winwick, had decided to “have a flutter” on the eight-year-old Irish horse because her great-grandson had been born four days previously – and named Maximus.
She said: “Maximus is Latin for ‘greatest’ – so I had a feeling the horse would win.”
The Grand National horse won by a comfortable seven-and-a-half lengths, but in the early stages of the race had not looked a likely winner.
But after the final jump he steamed into the lead – and Linda’s “flutter” won her £160.
“We were all very excited – a big cheer went up in our house.”
Linda’s granddaughter Charlotte Caple, from Lowton near Warrington, gave birth to Maximus on April 9. She has always liked Roman names – her first son, now aged five, was named Vincent.
Maximus weighed in at 9lb 3 ounces and mother and baby are now both doing well.
There was another omen that helped convince Linda she was on to a winner.
Maximus was born on April 9 – the same birth date as Liverpool soccer legend Robbie Fowler, who has invested in several racehorses through his company The Macca and Growler Partnership, most notably 2003 Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Celebration Chase runner-up Seebald.
He set up the company with his former team mate and long-time friend Steve McManaman.
And as the family are big Reds fans they felt they couldn’t really lose on their Grand National punt.
