Reigning Grand National champion Nick Rockett has been ruled out of the 2026 race after being withdrawn on Thursday morning due to a self-certificate for coughing, just over 48 hours before the main event at Aintree.
The Willie Mullins-trained horse, who won as an underdog last year, was declared a non-runner, leaving stablemate I Am Maximus as the clear favourite for Saturday's race. Jockey Patrick Mullins, who rode Nick Rockett to victory in 2025, had already switched to ride Grangeclare West, another of his father's entries.
Tom Bellamy was initially named as the replacement jockey for Nick Rockett, but his elation was short-lived after the withdrawal was confirmed. Speaking on ITV, pundit Matt Chapman described the situation as 'extraordinary' and 'insane', noting that Bellamy's misfortune could still lead to another ride if Kielan Woods, injured in a fall at Fontwell, is unable to partner Marble Sands.
Bellamy said: 'It was a bonus ride to pick up anyway and it is what it is. 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.'
Nick Rockett's place in the race will be taken by Gordon Elliott-trained Pied Piper, who has fallen in his last two starts. The nine-year-old last ran third of four in a November race at Down Royal, his only outing since last year's Grand National victory.
Willie Mullins still has eight runners in the race, including 2024 champion I Am Maximus, who finished second in his title defence last year and is now expected to lead the field.
