Grand National Field Confirmed as Defending Champion Withdraws
The field for this year's Grand National has been finalised with all 34 horses confirmed, following the dramatic withdrawal of defending champion Nick Rockett. The 2025 winner, who triumphed as a 33-1 outsider under jockey Patrick Mullins, has been ruled out of Saturday's iconic Aintree showpiece just 12 months after his emotional victory, which moved trainer Willie Mullins to tears.
Devastating Blow for Jockey Tom Bellamy
Nick Rockett's absence comes as a crushing blow for jockey Tom Bellamy, who was surprisingly selected by Mullins for the ride this year. The horse has been withdrawn on a self-certificate citing coughing as the reason, leaving Bellamy without a mount in the race. Patrick Mullins is now set to partner Grangeclare West instead.
With this withdrawal confirmed, Gordon Elliott's Pied Piper has stepped in as the new 34th and final runner in the field, completing the lineup for the 178th running of the Randox Grand National.
Broadcaster Reacts to the Dramatic Twist
Broadcaster Matt Chapman expressed his astonishment at the turn of events, telling ITV: "It's just extraordinary. It was head-blown wide-open stuff when Tom got the ride. I just cannot imagine how he has felt for the last 24 hours and now this morning." He added, "The last 24 hours have been insane."
However, Chapman suggested there might still be hope for Bellamy, noting: "One man's misfortune can be another man's gain." He referenced jockey Kielan Woods, who suffered a horrible fall at Fontwell yesterday and is in a race to be fit to ride Marble Sands on Saturday. "If he doesn't make it, wouldn't it be a fairy-tale if Graeme McPherson picked up the phone and said 'Tommy Bells, come and ride Marble Sands' so you never know. It's a funny old game this."
Favourite and Contenders for the Grand National
Despite the shake-up, 2024 victor I Am Maximus remains the favourite to win the Grand National, leading the betting at 7/1. Other top contenders include:
- Grangeclare West at 9/1
- Jagwar at 10/1
- Iroko at 12/1
- Panic Attack at 12/1
A prize of £500,000 awaits the winner, with prize money distributed down to the 10th finisher, adding high stakes to this historic event.
Complete List of the 34 Runners
The full lineup for the Grand National is as follows:
- I Am Maximus
- Banbridge
- Grangeclare West
- Gerri Colombe
- Haiti Couleurs
- Spillane's Tower
- Firefox
- Monty's Star
- Spanish Harlem
- Lecky Watson
- Champ Kiely
- Iroko
- Favori De Champdou
- Three Card Brag
- Oscars Brother
- Mr Vango
- High Class Hero
- Stellar Story
- Beauport
- Captain Cody
- Jagwar
- Perceval Legallois
- Gorgeous Tom
- The Real Whacker
- Quai De Bourbon
- Answer To Kayf
- Jordans
- Final Orders
- Marble Sands
- Panic Attack
- Top of The Bill
- Johnnywho
- Twig
- Pied Piper
