Patrick Mullins has made a surprising decision to abandon last year's Grand National winner, Nick Rockett, in favour of riding Grangeclare West, who finished third in the 2025 race. The amateur jockey, son of trainer Willie Mullins, will instead partner Grangeclare West, who won the Bobbyjo Chase in his preparation for Aintree.
Nick Rockett will now be ridden by British jockey Tom Bellamy, who described the opportunity as a 'pinch yourself moment'. Bellamy, 31, is enjoying his best season with 64 wins, including a first Cheltenham Festival victory in March on White Noise. He has had five previous Grand National rides but has yet to complete the course, with four falls and one pulled up.
Paul Townend, who won the 2024 Grand National on I Am Maximus, has remained loyal to that horse, while other Mullins jockey bookings include Brian Hayes on Spanish Harlem, Sean O’Keeffe on Lecky Watson, and Danny Mullins on Champ Kiely. James Bowen will partner High Class Hero, Jonathan Burke rides Captain Cody, and Donagh Meyler is on Quai de Bourbon.
Bellamy expressed surprise at being called up for the Nick Rockett mount, saying, 'I thought it must be a mistake to be honest with you! I am looking forward to it. I am very honoured and excited.' He added that his best ride in the race so far was last year on Broadway Boy before he tipped up.
