HORSE RACING: Champion Nick Rockett ruled out of Grand National

Last year’s Grand National winner, Nick Rockett, will miss this weekend’s defense of his crown at Aintree after being declared a non-runner on Thursday due to coughing.

In 2025, Rockett, a 33-1 outsider ridden by Patrick Mullins, secured victory in the Grand National steeplechase, completing a top-three sweep for horses trained by Mullins’ father, Willie Mullins.

Jockey Tom Bellamy was set to ride Nick Rockett this year after Patrick Mullins shifted his ride to Grangeclare West.

From the Mullins stable, I Am Maximus, winner in 2024 and runner-up in 2025, remains the favorite. With Nick Rockett’s withdrawal, first reserve Pied Piper will enter the race.

-Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters