Nick Rockett on course for Aintree repeat Nick Rockett is on course to repeat last April’s heroics in the Randox Aintree Grand National, as the Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old recently qualified to compete in this year’s renewal. Winner of the 2025 Thyestes Chase and Bobbyjo Chase before completing a hat-trick with his famous success under trainer’s-son Patrick Mullins last April 5, Nick Rockett incurred an overreach injury earlier this season which resulted in him missing some months of racing. Nick Rockett carried 11st 8lb to success in last year’s National and while allotted 11st 11lb this time, needed an appearance competing over three-miles, or beyond, in order to qualify this season. Finishing a staying-on third of four runners to Gerri Colombe at Down Royal on St Patrick’s Day, Patrick Mullins has expressed his satisfaction with the performance and reports "Nick Rockett came out of Down Royal in really good form with not a bother on him, and that will have brought him on. It is all systems go for Aintree. "He blew up and ran on (at Down Royal) and while I wasn't happed before the second-last, but from there to the finish I was happy with him. "I actually haven't ever ridden him very much but I loved how he jumped. He was on his toes beforehand and was keen early, so that should get all of that out of his system. He needs to come forward from the run but will have." Nick Rockett is a 20/1 chance for the Aintree showpiece race, on April 11.
