Grand National 2026 - Last Year's Winner Nick Rockett A Non-Runner
Defending champion Nick Rockett has been declared a non-runner from Saturday's Randox Grand National, connections reporting a cough just two days before the race at Aintree.
The nine-year-old was the sentimental favourite to become the first back-to-back winner since Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019, but his season has been plagued by setbacks from the start.
An over-reach ruled him out before Christmas, further niggles saw Mullins scratch him from the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the six-day stage, and his only racecourse appearance this season when 3rd of four runners at Down Royal in March, was a rusty effort that left plenty to prove.
The writing was on the wall on Wednesday when Patrick Mullins, who rode Nick Rockett to victory last year, chose to switch to stablemate Grangeclare West for the declarations.
Replacement jockey Tom Bellamy, who was only handed the ride 24 hours earlier, took it philosophically: "This time yesterday morning I wasn't riding in the Grand National, so it's only back to that stage."
The withdrawal has had minimal impact on the market - Nick Rockett had already drifted to 16/1 amid doubts over his readiness, and Paddy Power confirmed his exit would barely move their prices.
Pied Piper, Gordon Elliott's former hurdler, comes in from the reserves to fill the 34-runner field.
Willie Mullins still saddles eight runners and remains the dominant force in the race, headed by 7/1 favourite I Am Maximus - the 2024 winner who finished second behind Nick Rockett last year.
Grangeclare West, the horse Patrick Mullins chose instead, is next in line at around 9/1, with Jagwar also prominent for the champion trainer.
The biggest market mover elsewhere is Panic Attack, the Dan Skelton-trained mare who has been cut to 10/1 as punters look for a first female winner since Nickel Coin in 1951.
Nick Rockett's victory in 2025 was one of the most emotional in the race's recent history.
The horse still runs in the names of owner Stewart Andrew and his late wife Sadie, who passed away from cancer in December 2022 - just five days after watching Nick Rockett's first-ever race. Saturday would have been a fitting chapter.
Instead, connections will hope for a cleaner run to Aintree next year.
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