2025 Grand National winner Nick Rockett has been ruled out of this year’s race meaning he won’t be back to defend his crown.
Last Year’s Winner Nick Rockett Ruled Out Of 2026 Grand National
In a huge blow for connections, last year’s Grand National winner Nick Rockett has been ruled out of the 2026 renewal.
It was announced on Thursday morning that he has been declared a non-runner due to coughing.
Nick Rockett has struggled to get right this season and only qualified for the race after making his seasonal return a few weeks ago.
With a setback at the start of the season, it seems like Aintree may have taken a toll on the nine-year-old.
He was an impressive winner of last year’s race with Patrick Mullins in the saddle – who at the declaration stage actually jumped ship to Grangeclare West.
This also means that the Willie Mullins Grand National runners are now down to eight.
Nick Rockett was supposed to be ridden by Tom Bellamy, but after the non-runner news it looks like Bellamy could be without a ride.
However, there’s still a chance he could get a ride in the Grand National.
Marble Sands is set to be partnered by Kielan Woods – but Woods unseated at Fontwell on Wednesday and immediately stood down. He’s in a race against time to recover, so Bellamy may get the call.
WATCH: Nick Rockett Wins 2025 Grand National – But WON’T Be Back
Who Will Replace 2025 Grand National Winner Nick Rockett?
With six Grand National reserves waiting in the wings to be called into action, Gordon Elliott’s runner Pied Piper will now replace Mullins’ charge.
It’s hard to see Pied Piper featuring though. He’s had a busy season and has also fell three times, including on his last two starts.
If there are any further non-runners, the order below is how the horses will be drafted in.
- Imperial Saint (Philip Hobbs & Johnson White)
- Amirite (Henry de Bromhead)
- Ain’t That A Shame (Tom Ellis)
- Deep Cave (Christian Williams)
- Buddy One (Paul Gilligan)
Also be sure to check out our full 34-horse Grand National Runners Guide.
