Grand National champion Nick Rockett dominated out of 2026 race in merciless blow

Defending Grand National winner Nick Rockett has been ruled out of the race on Saturday.

Nick Rockett stunned the field when he piped reigning winner and favourite I Am Maximus to the post to win the National at odds of 33/1 under amateur Patrick Mullins last year.

But there will be no chance at a repeat 12 months on after the nine-year-old was ruled out of Saturday’s showpiece on Thursday morning. Nick Rockett’s hopes didn’t look encouraging on Wednesday when Patrick opted not to ride the defending champion to partner Grangeclare West.

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The horse was then taken out of the race the following morning on account of a self certificate.

Cheltenham hero Tom Bellamy was set to ride the Stewart and Sadie Andrew-owned horse after learning about the call-up on the At The Races podcast.

Bellamy, whose mum attempted to find him a girlfriend live on TV at Cheltenham, revealed he had never ridden or even spoken to Willie Mullins before being booked for the ride.

It’s a gutting blow for the in-form jockey whose National dream will be over unless he is able to pick up another ride. “That wasn’t the one I was expecting. Unbelievable,” Bellamy said when he found out about his original booking.

Gordon Elliott’s Pied Piper is the new 34th and final horse in the field, replacing Nick Rockett.

Following his incredibly emotional win last year, which didn’t leave a dry eye in the house after owner Stewart Andrew dedicated the £500,000 win to the memory of his late wife, the horse has struggled this season.

Nick Rockett was close to not qualifying for the race until he made his return just over two weeks ago at Down Royal, finishing third. The nine-year-old was a 16/1 chance to retain his crown.

I Am Maximus leads the field at odds of 7/1. Grangeclare West is a 10/1 shot for Patrick Mullins to win back-to-back nationals.