Nick Rockett Withdrawn from 2026 Grand National Race

Nick Rockett, the winner of the Grand National in 2023, has been withdrawn from the upcoming Grand National scheduled for April 11, 2026, due to a reported cough. This withdrawal prevents him from attempting to become the second horse to win back-to-back titles since Red Rum, who achieved this feat in 1970.

Patrick Mullins, who rode Nick Rockett to victory last year, has opted to ride Grangeclare West, which finished third in the previous year's race. Tom Bellamy has been surprisingly selected to ride Nick Rockett, who is now the first reserve.

The race will feature a total of 34 runners, with Maximu aiming to become the first top weight to win since Red Rum in 1974, and will be ridden by Paul Townend for the third consecutive year. Willie Mullins trains both Nick Rockett and Grangeclare West, while Gordon Elliott trains the three-time winner Pi Piper.