Defending champion Nick Rockett is OUT of this year’s Grand National.
Willie Mullins was in tears as the 33-1 outsider won under his son Patrick in 2025.
But there won’t be a repeat 12 months on, as he has been ruled out of the Aintree race.
He has been withdrawn on a self certificate with the reason given as coughing.
It’s heartbreak for Tom Bellamy, who was picked in a shock call by Mullins for the huge ride.
With Nick Rockett out, Gordon Elliott’s Pied Piper is the new 34th and final horse in the field.
Broadcaster Matt Chapman told ITV: « It’s just extraordinary. It was head-blown wide-open stuff when Tom got the ride. I just cannot 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 runnel. One man’s misfortune can be another man’s gain. Yesterday at Fontwell, Kielan Woods had a horrible fall at the track.
« He is due to ride Marble Sands in the National, his hip popped out and then popped back in but obviously he is in a race to ride on Saturday. We all want Kielan on that horse but if he doesn’t make it, wouldn’t it be a fairy-tale if Graeme McPherson picked up the phone and said ‘Tommy Bells, come and ride Marble Sands’ so you never know. It’s a funny old game this.
« The last 24 hours have been insane. »
Nick Rockett left punters emotional last year, with owner Stewart Andrew dedicating the £500,000 win to the memory of his late wife. But the horse has struggled for form this season.
He was close to not qualifying to run until making his return a fortnight ago, having finished third of four at Down Royal. That gave him a chance at 16/1 to defend his crown, with Bellamy’s call-up giving punters hope.
Bellamy had stole the hearts of some horse racing fans after he rode a winner at the Cheltenham Festival last month, with his mum pleading for him to get a girlfriend. He came out on top while riding White Noise, beating competition from the likes of 1/1 favourite Bambino Fever to win at 40/1.
It marked Bellamy’s inaugural Cheltenham triumph, and he was lost for words when speaking post-race. « I’ve waited my whole life for this day, » he told ITV immediately after guiding White Noise across the finish line. « I genuinely am speechless, I cannot believe it. Delighted for the team at home who’ve helped my whole career. »
His mum, Sue Bellamy, then shared her reaction, saying: « It’s what dreams are made of! It’s amazing, a big price, great for the yard, the lads, the lasses and the mother who has to put up with him on the way home because it has gone badly. »
When asked what Tom could achieve going forward, Sue then gave a rather different answer and suggested he needs a girlfriend, replying: « A girlfriend! Anyone out there… he’s a nice lad! »
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