Nick Rockett won the Grand National last year. Patrick Mullins, who rode him to that victory, has switched to Grangeclare West for 2026. The defending champion gets Tom Bellamy — a rider having his first Mullins stable association. That is the context every punter needs before assessing Nick Rockett's chances on Saturday.
Tom Bellamy's Profile
Tom Bellamy is not a journeyman jockey given a ride as a consolation. He is an accomplished jump rider who had a breakthrough Cheltenham Festival in March, partnering White Noise to a 40/1 victory in the Grade 2 Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle. That result confirmed he can deliver big-race performances under pressure on significant occasions. His record as a jockey is strong and he arrives at Aintree with momentum rather than uncertainty.
This is his first ride for Willie Mullins, which is itself a statement. Mullins does not hand out rides in the Grand National to jockeys without careful consideration. Bellamy has been trusted with the defending champion on the biggest stage in jump racing. That trust is based on an assessment of his ability, not on availability.
Why Patrick Mullins Left
The answer is Grangeclare West. Patrick Mullins assessed both horses available to him and chose the one he believed gave him the better chance of winning. The fact that he chose Grangeclare West over the horse he won on last year tells you unambiguously where the Mullins family's assessment of the two horses sits. Nick Rockett has been off the track for twelve months. Grangeclare West won the Bobbyjo eight weeks ago and finished third in last year's race. The form comparison favours Grangeclare West and Patrick Mullins agreed.
Can Nick Rockett Still Win?
Yes. The Grand National has a long history of horses returning from significant absences and performing competitively. Mullins would not have declared Nick Rockett if he did not believe the horse was fit and ready. The twelve months off will have freshened him and he arrives without the accumulated fatigue of a long campaign. He knows the Aintree fences from his win last year. He knows how the race develops.
The honest concern is race fitness. A horse returning from a year off his first run back on the biggest stage faces a fitness question that no amount of preparation can fully answer until the closing stages of the race. At 16/1, the market reflects that uncertainty. Punters who believe Mullins has him at his best are getting a reasonable price for the risk they are taking.
Horse Racing Oracle AI's Grand National selection is live. Sign up free at horseracingoracleai.com.
Want free AI-powered tips every morning? Sign up free at horseracingoracleai.com
Betting involves risk. Please gamble responsibly. Visit BeGambleAware.org.