Grand National winning partnership broken up
Patrick Mullins rides Nick Rocket through the streets of Leighlinbridge at the welcome home for last year's Aintree Grand National winner
Patrick Mullins’ win on Nick Rockett in last year’s Randox Aintree Grand National was one of the sporting stories of 2025 and a win of such magnitude that it left even his trainer father Willie lost for words.
However, there is no room for sentiment at the elite level of sport and Mullins has elected to ride Grangeclare West rather than Nick Rockett in this year’s renewal at the Liverpool track on Saturday.
Grangeclare West finished third in last year’s race and was travelling strongly before a mistake at the last fence.
That was under his regular jockey partner Brian Hayes but Paul Townend took over and won on him in Fairyhouse and the Mullins’ stable number one appeared to be giving serious consideration to saddle him in the Grand National but in the end he plumped for the 2024 winner, I Am Maximus and he looks set to start the race as favourite.
That left many to assume Hayes would partner Grangeclare West, with Mullins attempting to retain the National aboard Nick Rockett. However, surprise news emerged from Closutton this morning that this will not be the case and Mullins will now take the ride on a horse who is currently second favourite in the betting.
Nick Rockett’s preparations for the race have been far from ideal. After an injury hit season, he only qualified for Saturday’s race with his first run since last year’s win on St Patrick’s Day when he finished third in a four-horse race.
Hayes will now ride Spanish Harlem in the race, while Tom Bellamy takes the ride on last year’s winner.
Other significant jockey bookings among Willie Mullins nine runners see Sean O’Keeffe on Lecky Watson, Danny Mullins on Champ Kiely and James Bowen on High Class Hero.
I Am Maximus - Paul Townend
Grangeclare West - Patrick Mullins
Nick Rockett - Tom Bellamy
Captain Cody - Jonathan Burke
Quai De Bourbon - Donagh Meyler
Lecky Watson - Sean O'Keeffe
Spanish Harlem - Brian Hayes
High Class Hero - James Bowen
Champ Kiely - Danny Mullins
