Willie Mullins looks to have unearthed a legitimate leading contender for the world's most famous steeplechase following I Am Maximus' success in the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse.

I Am Maximus was cut to a general 10/1 (from 25/1) for the Grand National at Aintree in April after beating fellow National market leader Vanillier by fourteen lengths in the Grade 3 Tote.ie Bobbyjo Chase.

The JP McManus-owned runner had struggled at the top-level on his last two outings but appreciated the drop back in grade when landing the spoils this afternoon. Last year's Irish Grand National winner tackled the longtime leader and main market rival Vanillier running down to the second last, with jockey Jody Mcgarvey oozing confidence on the even-money favourite.

McGarvey sent his mount clear up the run-in and only the final fence looked to stand between them and victory. It was heart-in-mouth stuff as I Am Maximus clattered through the final flight, but McGarvey sat tight, keeping the partnership intact before pushing the staying chaser clear for a commanding fourteen-length success. Vanillier, co-favourite for the Grand National at Aintree, filled the runner-up spot.

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 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 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 the ground for him. I don't know how good he is yet because he just keeps improving."