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09 Apr 2026
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09 Apr 2026
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Patrick Mullins and Nick Rockett at the homecoming after last year's Grand National win
2025 Grand National winner Nick Rockett has been ruled out of this Saturday's big race in Aintree due to coughing.
The Willie Mullins trained nine year-old previously won the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park and the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse en route to winning at Merseyside last April but this year's preparation has been a lot more fractured for the stable star.
It was an emotional victory for the father-and-son team of Willie and Patrick Mullins 12 months ago in what was the stable's third win in the race.
The champion trainer will still saddle eight runners in the race including 2024 victor Iam Maximus who is the current favourite at odds of 13-2 with Paul Townend taking the ride.
Read Next- Kilkenny jockey celebrates Irish Grand National success at Fairyhouse
The 34 horses in the field will go to post for a 4pm start on Saturday afternoon.
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