Grand National news: Gerri Colombe beats Nick Rockett as pair head for Aintree

The Bluegrass Racehorse Cube Chase went the way of odds-on favourite Gerri Colombe on Tuesday. The Down Royal contest would not ordinarily be so newsworthy, but for the winner and third being Grand National bound.

That third-placed horse was defending Grand National champion Nick Rockett. Willie Mullins’ 2025 hero has not been seen this season and needed to race over 3m or further to qualify. He did just that, putting in a clear round of jumping without threatening to win.

There is no doubt Patrick Mullins’ mount was rusty at Down Royal. However, after nearly a year off the track, completion and jumping repetitions were a must. Mullins guided him round safely for a third-placed finish in the four-runner event.

The winner was a story in his own right, however. At his best, Gerri Colombe won the Grade 1 Aintree Bowl in 2024. That victory came just a month after finishing second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup to Galopin Des Champs.

His career was then derailed by injury, but the ten-year-old has been busy again this campaign. Though he is now operating a little below the top level, he was second to Grand National favourite Grangeclare West in the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase last month. This win will have been a useful confidence-booster for Aintree.

Grand National and Bowl remain options for Gerri Colombe

Both Gerri Colombe and Nick Rockett possess Grand National entries and are certainties to race should they be declared. Nick Rockett will undoubtedly defend his title if fit, but Gordon Elliott’s charge has multiple options.

Having won the Bowl in 2024, that Grade 1 contest could appeal to connections more. Jack Kennedy rode him to success on Tuesday and declared that his options were open.

“It was straightforward enough,” Kennedy said to the Racing Post. “He actually enjoyed that better ground as well. 

“He’ll probably go to Aintree next. I’m not sure if it will be the National or the Bowl – obviously that will be up to Gordon and connections.”

Despite this race providing an obviously useful preparation position in the jumps calendar, the result made little market impact. Neither Gerri Colombe or Nick Rockett were overly mobile in the Grand National betting after this result.

The proximity of 14-year-old Roi Mage may explain that. The veteran ran an admirable race from the front, finishing ahead of Nick Rockett in second. The 105-rated The Gradual Slope was also in close attendance despite finishing last of the four.