The 2025 Grand National winner Nick Rockett returned to the track after 346 days off to run third at Down Royal , but looks sure to come on bundles for the race – with the prize taken by the Gordon Elliott-trained Gerri Colombe.
Nick Rockett Beaten On First Run Back, But Sure To Improve
Patrick Mullins and Nick Rockett teamed up to land the 2025 Grand National last April, but the horse hasn’t been seen since.
In order to get into the race on 11th April to defend his title, the horse needed to have run at least once over fence in the current season.
Which is why the Willie Mullins camp had to get a run into Nick Rockett at Down Royal on Tuesday.
However, a combination of a lack of a recent run and having to give 7lbs away to a race-fit Gerri Colombe proved too much for Nick Rockett.
With the 2025 Grand National winner back in third, behind the veteran Roi Mage in second.
Rockett Only Beaten Just Under Seven Lengths
Nick Rockett was still only 6 3/4 lengths off the winner, and with that run sure to blow the cobwebs away – many feel he should now be spot on for his Aintree defence.
Gerri Colombe had previously shown a return to form when second in the Bobbyjo Chase, which has been a good Grand National trial race over the years.
With both I Am Maximus and last year’s winner Nick Rockett winning both races.
Both will now head to Aintree in three weeks.
3:38 – Bluegrass Racehorse Cube Chase Result (Down Royal)
🥇Winner: Gerri Colombe (8/11)
🥈Roi Mage (12/1)
🥉Nick Rockett (13/8)
Gerri Colombe lands the feature, with Grand National hero Nick Rockett third on his seasonal return @Downroyal 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/8JLQZbaJTN
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 17, 2026
Bookies Cut Both Nick Rockett and Geri Colombe For 2026 Grand National
Soon after the Down Royal race, the best horse racing betting sites reacted by cutting both Gerri Colombe and the Nick Rockett Grand National odds.
With the pair coming in from 33/1 to 20/1.
Gerri Colombe is clearly back to form as trainer Gordon Elliott hunts his fourth National win.
But will have 11st 10st to carry in the National – the last horse to win with 11-1o+ was Red Rum (12st) in 1973.
While, despite finishing third at Down Royal on his return run, the layers aren’t taken any chances on Nick Rockett.
With his Aintree odds also into 20/1 (from 331).
Rockett will have 3lbs more (11st 11lbs) than last year and be looking to join Tiger Roll as a recent ‘back-to-back’ Grand National winner.
Grand National Betting Odds 2026 💰
- I Am Maximus – 10/1
- Grangeclere West – 10/1
- Haiti Couleurs – 12/1
- Jagwar – 12/1
- Iroko – 12/1
- Johnnywho – 16/1
- Nick Rockett – 20/1
- Gerri Colombe – 20/1
- Montys Star – 20/1
- Oscars Brother – 25/1
- Captain Cody – 25/1
- Panic Attack – 25/1
- Nick Rockett – 28/1
- 33/1 BAR
Note: Grand National betting odds 2026 are subject to change
WATCH: Nick Rockett Winning The 2025 Grand National at Aintree
2026 Grand National Date🗓️
📅Date: Saturday 11th April 2026
⌚Time: 4:00pm
🏇Racecourse: Aintree
🔄Trip: 4m 2 1/2f
💷Winning Purse: £500,000
📺 TV: ITV Racing / Racing TV
