Nick Rockett ruled out of Grand National defence

One of nine horses initially declared by Willie Mullins on Wednesday, the signs didn't look too encouraging when Patrick Mullins opted to partner Grangeclare West instead of his 2025 hero, and on Thursday morning Nick Rockett was officially taken out of the race on account of a self certificate (coughing).

Mullins still has eight runners to call upon, including the 7/1 favourite I Am Maximus, who won in 2024 and was runner-up to his stablemate 12 months ago.

Nick Rockett's late defection results in the Gordon Elliott-trained Pied Piper, who was first reserve, now getting into the race (Friday 13:00 BST the final cut-off for reserves).

Randox Grand National features and previews

• Horse-by-horse guide to the final field
• Punting Pointers: Our Grand National shortlist
• How to pick the Grand National winner and how different is the race now?
• The best Grand National performances on Timeform ratings
• Grand National fences: How they've shaped the race
• JockeyBox: Willie and Patrick Mullins reflections
• Simon Holt: The art of commentating on the National
• The remarkable story of Spanish Steps
• John Ingles: Remembering Red Marauder's remarkable win in the mud
• Alex Hammond Grand National Blog
• Patrick Mullins: National outsider 'catches the eye'
• Who are the main British hopes?
• 2026 Grand National preview podcast
• Dan Skelton: My Aintree squad