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The opening ITV broadcast of their Grand National coverage was brought to a halt this morning as presenter Oli Bell and pundit Matt Chapman delivered a major announcement.

Bell said: "The drama has begun here at Aintree, because [there is] breaking news here on the opening show. In the last few seconds, it has been announced that Nick Rockett is a non-runner in the Grand National, a self-certificate for coughing. The fairytale for Tom Bellamy is over before it had begun, Matt?"

Chapman responded: "It is just extraordinary. It was head-blown-wide-open stuff yesterday when Tom got the ride. I just can't 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 tunnel. One man's misfortune can be another man's gain."

He added: "Yesterday at Fontwell, Kielan Woods had a horrible fall at the track. He's due to ride Marble Sands in the Grand National. His hip popped out and then popped back in, but obviously he's in a race against time to ride Marble Sands on Saturday."

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Defending champion Nick Rockett will be absent from Saturday's Grand National at Aintree after being ruled out of contention. The Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old was officially withdrawn from the race this morning and will be substituted in the prestigious spectacle by Gordon Elliott-trained first reserve Pied Piper.

Nick Rockett delivered a deeply emotional triumph for owner Stewart Andrew, whose wife Sadie had tragically passed away from cancer, when defeating stable companion and reigning National champion I Am Maximus at Aintree last year.

Ridden by amateur jockey Patrick Mullins, son and assistant trainer to his father Willie at Closutton, Nick Rockett had been priced at around 16-1 for his attempt to defend his crown.

Having only competed once since his victory last April, finishing third behind Gerri Colombe at Down Royal on St Patrick's Day, Nick Rockett had been due to be partnered by Tom Bellamy.

In excess of 150,000 racegoers are anticipated at the three-day festival on Merseyside. Gates swung open at 11am this morning (April 9), with racegoers treated to seven races throughout the day.

The opening race is scheduled to get underway at 1.45pm, with the final contest of the afternoon at 5.15pm.