Home / Sports / Nick Rockett Out of Grand National; Reserve Steps In
Nick Rockett Out of Grand National; Reserve Steps In
9 Apr
Summary
- Nick Rockett, last year's winner, was withdrawn due to a cough.
- First reserve Pied Piper will now compete in the Grand National.
- Horses need a recent run to qualify, a rule Nick Rockett almost missed.
Nick Rockett, the reigning champion of the Randox Grand National, has been officially withdrawn from this Saturday's prestigious race. The decision came after the horse was found to be coughing two days before the event, failing to meet the required health standards. This development means that Pied Piper, the first reserve trained by Gordon Elliott, will now take a spot in the lineup.
The situation surrounding Nick Rockett's participation had been uncertain. Patrick Mullins, who rode Nick Rockett to victory last year, had already switched to another mount, highlighting potential concerns. Furthermore, Nick Rockett only recently returned to the track in March, a requirement for Grand National contenders, making his qualification narrowly achieved.
Pied Piper, a horse with royal breeding, has experienced recent falls but had been performing well in those races. Jockey Sam Ewing, who was likely to ride Pied Piper, is currently sidelined with a broken collarbone. Meanwhile, connections of Imperial Saint, the second reserve, remain hopeful for a late entry into the race, having shown good form in previous outings.
