According to multiple reports, Nick Rockett was officially withdrawn from the race this morning and will be substituted by Pied Piper. The horse had been priced at around 16-1 for his attempt to defend his crown and had been due to be partnered by jockey Tom Bellamy. A 36-year-old jockey described the decision, stating they wanted to give the horse every chance but he gave a few coughs this morning, which made up their mind.
The jockey added it was frustrating but everything needed to go right to get him here, and unfortunately they just didn't get everything go right. A presenter commented on the drama, saying the fairytale for Tom Bellamy is over before it had begun. A pundit called it extraordinary and head-blown-wide-open stuff, noting he couldn't imagine how Bellamy has felt for the last 24 hours and now this morning.
However, the pundit suggested there could still be light at the end of the tunnel for Bellamy, as one man's misfortune can be another man's gain. Nick Rockett was initially replaced by Pied Piper, but Pied Piper has also withdrawn due to mobility issues. A trainer described that Pied Piper was going to miss the race, explaining they left the yard yesterday morning and everything was sound, but he was a bit tight yesterday evening and just not right this morning, lame behind.
The trainer emphasized horses come first and foremost, calling it very unfortunate for the owners, staff and everyone involved. Imperial Saint steps in as the second reserve after Pied Piper's absence, and Amirite is the third and final stand-in, replacing Spillane's Tower. The exact medical condition or prognosis for Nick Rockett beyond coughing remains unclear, as do the specific mobility issues that caused Pied Piper's withdrawal.
Three horses in the initial 34-runner field for the 2026 Grand National have withdrawn and been replaced, according to multiple reports. Any horses declared non-runners between now and the 4pm start will not be replaced, reducing the field size from 34. How many horses will ultimately start the 2026 Grand National given potential further withdrawals is uncertain, and the current status of Tom Bellamy's ride after Nick Rockett's withdrawal is also unknown.
This is the first time since 1984 that the Grand National will start with less than 40 horses, multiple reports indicate. The move to reduce field size was made to create more space for the horses to jump the 30 fences safely. Nick Rockett's stablemate I Am Maximus is the favourite for this year's race, according to multiple reports.
In excess of 150,000 racegoers are anticipated at the three-day festival on Merseyside. A pundit also noted that jockey Kielan Woods had a horrible fall at Fontwell yesterday, with his hip popping out and then back in, and he is in a race against time to ride Marble Sands in the Grand National on Saturday. Whether Woods will be fit to ride remains to be seen.