Nick Rockett withdrawn from Grand National due to illness
Defending Grand National champion Nick Rockett has been withdrawn from Saturday’s showpiece event at Aintree after developing a cough, leaving the race without its title holder just over 48 hours before the off, reports BritPanorama.
The nine-year-old, who delivered an unexpected triumph for trainer Willie Mullins at 33-1 last year, was declared a non-runner on Thursday morning via a self-certificate. His absence dramatically reshapes the betting landscape, with stablemate I Am Maximus now emerging as the outright market leader for the Hunt season’s premier contest.
The 2024 winner finished second behind Nick Rockett last year and will seek to reclaim the crown this weekend. The withdrawal proved particularly cruel for jockey Tom Bellamy, who had been announced as Nick Rockett’s new rider barely 24 hours earlier following Patrick Mullins’ surprise decision to switch to Grangeclare West. Racing broadcaster Matt Chapman described the situation as “extraordinary” during ITV coverage on Thursday.
Chapman noted that Bellamy might yet secure a National mount if Kielan Woods fails to recover from a hip injury sustained at Fontwell on Wednesday, potentially opening up the ride on Marble Sands. Bellamy responded to the setback with characteristic composure, acknowledging the fleeting nature of his Grand National opportunity. “It was a bonus ride to pick up anyway and it is what it is,” the jockey said.
“This time yesterday morning I wasn’t riding in the Grand National so it’s only back to that stage so it’s not the end of the world,” he added, expressing gratitude for being considered for the mount on the defending champion.
Gordon Elliott’s Pied Piper will take Nick Rockett’s place in the field, though the eight-year-old arrives with concerning recent form having fallen in both his previous outings. His most recent tumble came during the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham last month. Despite losing the defending champion, Mullins retains a formidable presence with eight horses still entered, headed by the ten-year-old I Am Maximus who will attempt to add a second National victory to his 2024 success.
In light of this unexpected turn of events, the anticipation surrounding the Grand National falls heavier on the shoulders of those still in contention. The drama that defines Aintree remains very much alive, as both jockeys and trainers prepare for a race that promises to be anything but predictable.
