Grand National: 2025 champion Nick Rockett out of Aintree race

Last year’s winner Nick Rockett has withdrawn from this weekend’s Grand National at Aintree.

Jockey Tom Bellamy would look to lead the Willie Mullins-trained horse to back-to-back victories in Saturday’s race.

The first reserve Pied Piper will replace the 2025 winner, who was removed from the race after self-certifying with a cough.

Patrick Mullins, who rode Nick Rockett to victory 12 months ago, had already chosen to ride Grangeclare West in the exhibition event.

I Am Maximus, another horse from the Mullins stable, is the 7-1 favorite of the race.