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Defending champion Nick Rockett is OUT of this year's Grand National.

Willie Mullins was in tears as the 33-1 outsider won under his son Patrick in 2025.

But there won't be a repeat 12 months on, as he has been ruled out of the Aintree race.

He has been withdrawn on a self certificate with the reason given as coughing.

It's heartbreak for Tom Bellamy, who was picked in a shock call by Mullins for the huge ride.

With Nick Rockett out, Gordon Elliott's Pied Piper is the new 34th and final horse in the field.

Broadcaster Matt Chapman told ITV: "It's just extraordinary. It was head-blown wide-open stuff when Tom got the ride. I just cannot imagine how he has felt for the last 24 hours and now this morning.

"However, for Tom Bellamy there could still be light at the end of the runnel. One man's misfortune can be another man's gain. Yesterday at Fontwell, Kielan Woods had a horrible fall at the track.

"He is due to ride Marble Sands in the National, his hip popped out and then popped back in but obviously he is in a race to ride on Saturday. We all want Kielan on that horse but if he doesn't make it, wouldn't it be a fairy-tale if Graeme McPherson picked up the phone and said 'Tommy Bells, come and ride Marble Sands' so you never know. It's a funny old game this.

"The last 24 hours have been insane."

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