Defending champion Nick Rockett ruled out of Grand National

Rockett will not defend his title after being declared a non-runner on Thursday morning.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:47am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a horse race, with the horses and jockeys broken down into overlapping, angular shapes in a vibrant color palette, conceptually representing the unpredictability and excitement of the Grand National without its defending champion.The absence of the defending champion, Nick Rockett, leaves the Grand National wide open for a new winner to emerge.Bradford Today

Nick Rockett, the defending champion of the Grand National horse race, will not be competing in this year's event at Aintree on Saturday. Rockett, who is owned by a Bradford-based organization, was declared a non-runner on Thursday morning, meaning he will not have the chance to defend his title.

Why it matters

The Grand National is one of the most prestigious and watched horse races in the world, and Rockett's absence as the defending champion is a significant development. His withdrawal raises questions about the reasons behind it and the impact it will have on the race's outcome.

The details

Rockett, who won the Grand National in 2025, was declared a non-runner on Thursday morning, just two days before the race. No specific reason was given for his withdrawal, but it likely means he is unable to compete due to injury or other factors.

  • Rockett won the Grand National in 2025.
  • Rockett was declared a non-runner on Thursday, April 9, 2026, two days before the race.

The players

Nick Rockett

The defending champion of the Grand National horse race, who will not be competing in this year's event.

Bradford-based organization

The organization that owns Nick Rockett and his horse.

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What’s next

The race organizers will need to update the field and odds for the Grand National without Rockett, and fans and bettors will be closely watching to see how the race unfolds without the defending champion.

The takeaway

Rockett's withdrawal from the Grand National is a significant development that will impact the dynamics of the race and leave fans and bettors speculating about the reasons behind it and the potential impact on the outcome.