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Defending Champion Nick Rockett Withdrawn From Grand National

His exit moves Willie Mullins’ I Am Maximus to outright favouritism before Saturday’s 4pm race.

Overview

  • The 34-runner field, which was set at declarations, changed on Thursday when Nick Rockett came out for coughing and first reserve Pied Piper took his place, making I Am Maximus favourite.
  • The Grand National starts at 4pm on Saturday on ITV, with live streaming on ITVX and Racing TV.
  • Jango Baie ran away with the Grade One Racing Welfare Bowl Chase by 16 lengths on Opening Day, sharpening the recent Aintree form picture.
  • Barton Snow completed the Cheltenham–Aintree double in the Foxhunters’ Chase, winning the first race over the National fences with ease.
  • Spillane’s Tower was pulled up and will not run on Saturday, and Liverpool Echo reports that second and third reserves Imperial Saint and Amirite are now set to line up.