Defending champion out of Grand National 12 months after 33-1 outsider stunned the world

Jack Otway
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:59:56 +0000

Defending Grand National champion Nick Rockett has been withdrawn from Saturday's showpiece event at Aintree after developing a cough, leaving the race without its title holder just over 48 hours before the off.

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 12 months ago and will seek to reclaim the crown this weekend.

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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.

"It was head-blown wide-open stuff when Tom got the ride," Chapman said. "I just cannot imagine how he has felt for the last 24 hours and now this morning."

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.

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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 expressed gratitude for being considered for the mount on the defending champion.

"It was obviously a great ride to pick up and I was honoured to be in the mix for it. It's been a brilliant year and I'm hoping it keeps rolling as it has been," he added.

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.

Nick Rockett had made just one competitive appearance since his Aintree triumph, finishing third of four runners in the Bluegrass Racehorse Cube Chase at Down Royal.

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.