The opening ITV show of the Randox Grand National coverage was paused this morning as a major announcement was made by presenter Oli Bell and pundit Matt Chapman.
Oli said: “The drama has begun here at Aintree, because [there is] breaking news here on the opening show. In the last few seconds, it has been announced that Nick Rockett is a non-runner in the Grand National, a self-certificate for coughing. The fairytale for Tom Bellamy is over before it had begun, Matt?”
Matt responded: “It is just extraordinary. It was head blown wide open stuff yesterday when Tom got the ride. I just can’t imagine how he has felt for the last 24 hours and now this morning. However, for Tom Bellamy, there could still be light at the end of the tunnel. One man’s misfortune can be another man’s gain.”
He added: “Yesterday at Fontwell, Kielan Woods had a horrible fall at the track. He’s due to ride Marble Sands in the Grand National. His hip popped out and then popped back in, but obviously he’s in a race against time to ride Marble Sands on Saturday.”
Last year’s winner Nick Rockett will not defend his crown after being ruled out of Saturday’s Randox Grand National at Aintree Racecourse. The Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old was declared a non-runner this morning and will be replaced in the Aintree showpiece by the Gordon Elliott-trained first reserve Pied Piper.
Nick Rockett provided an emotional victory for owner Stewart Andrew, whose wife Sadie had died of cancer, when beating stable-mate and the previous year’s National hero I Am Maximus at Aintree last year. Under amateur jockey Patrick Mullins, son and assistant trainer to his father Willie at Closutton, Nick Rockett had been around a 16-1 chance for his bid to win again.
Nick Rockett, who had only run once since his victory last April when third Gerri Colombe at Down Royal on St Patrick’s Day, was set to be ridden by Tom Bellamy.
Nick Rockett was ruled out of the race having been reported to be coughing. He will be replaced by the first reserve, Elliott’s Pied Piper. I Am Maximus remains the 7-1 favourite to give trainer Mullins a record-equalling fourth win in the race and a third in a row.
More than 150,000 racegoers are expected at the three-day event here on Merseyside. Gates opened at 11am this morning (April 9) and racegoers will be treated to seven races throughout the day. The first race will get underway at 1.45pm and the final race of the afternoon is scheduled to begin at 5.15pm.
Throughout the day, our on-course reporters, photographers, and racing experts will provide live updates, capturing everything from the first arrivals and best-dressed racegoers to expert betting tips, race results, and all the standout stories. Whether searching for the full Grand National Thursday racecard, key betting insights, or the best moments from day one at Aintree, we have it all covered.
