Grand National 2026 Pinstickers' Guide with All 34 Runners Rated
I Am Maximus is the 7-1 favourite after last year’s winner Nick Rockett was ruled out with a cough.
- Reigning Grand National champion Nick Rockett will not compete in Saturday's race at Aintree, having been declared a non-runner on Thursday morning after reported coughing. Gordon Elliott-trained Pied Piper replaces him as first reserve.
- Owned by Bradford-based Stewart Andrews, the nine-year-old delivered an emotional victory for trainers Willie and Patrick Mullins 12 months ago, having raced only once since at Down Royal last month.
- Jockey Tom Bellamy received a surprise call-up to ride the champion, describing the opportunity as "completely out of the blue," though his dream ended within 24 hours following the withdrawal.
- Stablemate I Am Maximus remains the 7-1 favorite to secure a record-equalling fourth win for trainer Mullins, with the field of 34 runners set to line up at Aintree Racecourse on Saturday.
- While the champion is sidelined, other contenders like Haiti Couleurs and Gerri Colombe pursue historic trebles; no horse has yet won the Welsh and Irish Nationals alongside the Aintree version.
11 Articles
11 Articles
‘You need to be 110% and he’s not’: 2025 Grand National winner ruled out of this year’s race
3E726W5 File photo dated 05-04-2025 of Nick Rockett and trainer Willie Mullins after winning the Randox Grand National. Nick Rockett will not defend his Randox Grand National crown at Aintree on Saturday after being declared a non-runner on Thursday morning. Issue date: (enter date here).Defending Randox Grand National champion Nick Rockett has been ruled out of this year’s race owing to coughing, his trainer has confirmed. Patrick Mullins, son …
Defending champion out of Grand National 12 months after 33-1 outsider stunned the world
Defending Grand National champion Nick Rockett has been withdrawn from Saturday's showpiece event at Aintree after developing a cough, leaving the race without its title holder just over 48 hours before the off.The nine-year-old, who delivered an unexpected triumph for trainer Willie Mullins at 33-1 last year, was declared a non-runner on Thursday morning via a self-certificate.His absence dramatically reshapes the betting landscape, with stable…
Horse racing-Champion Nick Rockett ruled out of Grand National
April 9 : Last year's Grand National winner Nick Rockett will miss this weekend's defence of his crown at Aintree after being declared a non-runner on Thursday, having been reported to be coughing.In 2025, Rockett, a 33-1 shot ridden by Patrick Mullins, won the Grand National steeplechase at Aintree in a top
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