The Grand National 2026 field has taken a late hit after Nick Rockett withdrawn from the upcoming Aintree Grand National. The defending champion was expected to feature among the leading contenders again, but the Willie Mullins horse has been ruled out shortly before the race. The update quickly became one of the biggest developments in the Grand National latest news, with the Grand National runners 2026 list now seeing a last-minute change ahead of Saturday’s race.
Nick Rockett Grand National defence ends early
The planned Nick Rockett Grand National title defence will not happen after the horse was declared a non-runner due to illness. Reports suggested the Willie Mullins horse had been coughing, which led to the decision to withdraw from the Grand National Aintree race.
Last year, Patrick Mullins jockey rode Nick Rockett to victory in the famous race, finishing ahead of I Am Maximus. For the Grand National 2026, Patrick Mullins had already decided to partner Grangeclare West instead, while Tom Bellamy jockey had been scheduled to take the ride on Nick Rockett before the withdrawal.
Grand National runners 2026 updated after withdrawal
With Nick Rockett withdrawn, the reserve runner Pied Piper horse has now moved into the Grand National runners 2026 lineup. The horse is trained by Gordon Elliott trainer, who has previously enjoyed success in the Aintree Grand National.
Meanwhile, I Am Maximus favourite continues to attract attention as one of the main contenders for the Grand National Aintree race. The horse will again be partnered by Paul Townend jockey, who finished second behind Nick Rockett in last year’s race.
The Grand National 2026 at Aintree will begin on Saturday afternoon, with the updated Grand National runners 2026 now confirmed following the latest Grand National latest news involving the withdrawal of last year’s champion.
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