In a dramatic and highly unexpected development ahead of the 2026 Grand National, amateur jockey Patrick Mullins has made the shocking decision to desert last year's race winner. The son of renowned trainer Willie Mullins will not be aboard the defending champion Nick Rockett for Saturday's prestigious event at Aintree.
A Surprising Stable Switch
Instead of partnering with the horse that delivered historic success just twelve months ago, Patrick Mullins has opted to ride Grangeclare West. This horse finished third behind Nick Rockett in last year's thrilling Randox Grand National, which saw a remarkable stable 1-2-3 for the Mullins team with I Am Maximus taking second place.
The decision represents a highly unusual move in racing circles, where jockeys typically maintain partnerships with horses that have brought them such significant victories. Paul Townend, for instance, has remained loyal to I Am Maximus in every Grand National since their 2024 triumph together.
Nick Rockett's Challenging Season
Nick Rockett's preparation for this year's race has been far from ideal. The champion has faced multiple training setbacks throughout the campaign, and his form appeared well below par during a belated comeback last month. On that occasion, he could only manage third place in a four-horse field, raising questions about his current fitness and readiness for the National challenge.
The beneficiary of Patrick Mullins' surprising decision is British jockey Tom Bellamy, who will now take the ride on Nick Rockett. Bellamy is enjoying the best season of his career with 64 wins to his name, including breaking his Cheltenham Festival duck in March with victory aboard White Noise in the Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle.
Bellamy's National Record and Reaction
Despite his current excellent form, Bellamy has experienced mixed fortunes in previous Grand Nationals. The 31-year-old has had five rides in the famous race but has yet to complete the course successfully. Four of his mounts have fallen during the contest, while the other was pulled up before finishing.
Bellamy expressed both surprise and delight at being called up for such a prestigious mount. "I thought it must be a mistake to be honest with you!" he told Mirror Racing. "I am looking forward to it. I am very honoured and excited. I didn't have a ride until now. The season has been brilliant and I suppose that's why this happened."
Reflecting on his previous National experience, Bellamy added: "My best ride in the race so far was last year when I was going well on Broadway Boy until he tipped up. This is a pinch yourself moment for me."
Grangeclare West's Preparation
Patrick Mullins' new mount Grangeclare West arrives at Aintree in strong form, having warmed up for the National by winning the Bobbyjo Chase. This race holds particular significance as Nick Rockett claimed victory in the same event twelve months ago, and it has produced the last two winners of the £1 million Grand National.
Other Mullins Stable Riders Confirmed
The complete jockey bookings for the Willie Mullins stable in the 2026 Grand National have now been confirmed:
- Brian Hayes will ride Spanish Harlem
- Sean O'Keeffe takes the mount on Lecky Watson
- Danny Mullins partners with Champ Kiely
Other notable rides include James Bowen aboard High Class Hero, Jonathan Burke on Captain Cody, and Donagh Meyler partnering with Quai de Bourbon.
This unexpected jockey switch adds an intriguing layer of drama to what promises to be another thrilling edition of the world's most famous steeplechase. With defending champion Nick Rockett now under new guidance and last year's third-place finisher receiving the services of a Mullins family jockey, the 2026 Grand National narrative has taken a fascinating turn just days before the race.
