A dramatic day in the build-up to the 2026 Grand National saw defending champion Nick Rockett declared a non-runner. Pied Piper will also miss the big race, while the feature contest at Anitree on Thursday saw Brighterdaysahead claim the Aintree Hurdle.
Here is today’s racing news round-up for Friday 10 April.
Grand National latest: Big non-runners as Skelton mare gambled
Nick Rockett will not aim to defend his Grand National title after being declared a non-runner on Thursday. Tom Bellamy had been given a surprise mount by Willie Mullins for the 2025 hero. However, after being found coughing on Thursday, he will not contest Saturday’s race. Pied Piper, who was first reserve and initially took his place, will also miss out for Gordon Elliott. Spillane’s Tower then contested the Aintree Bowl Chase, so is also ineligible as second and third reserves Imperial Saint and Amirite come in. (BBC)
In the meantime, Panic Attack has become the early gamble of this year’s Grand National. Dan Skelton’s mare, who won the Coral Gold Cup in November, is now the second favourite for the world’s most famous steeplechase. She is on the cusp of challenging I Am Maximus for favouritism. Among those she overtook in the market are Jagwar and Grangeclare West, who remain just behind the top two in the betting. (Racing Post)
Aintree results: Brighterdaysahead and Jango Baie go one better than Cheltenham
The Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle went the way of Brighterdaysahead for Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy. The Champion Hurdle runner-up had won over the Aintree course and distance as a novice. She confirmed the form from Cheltenham without Lossiemouth in attendance. The New Lion made a mistake at the last in second place, while Alexei and Golden Ace, fourth and fifth in the Cheltenham Tuesday showpiece, followed them home. (BBC)
There was also redemption for Jango Baie. He was second in the Gold Cup behind impressive winner Gaelic Warrior last month. However, in a race strewn with errors from its participants, Jango Baie emerged comfortably victorious. The winner himself was not immune to jumping mistakes, but benefitted from the fall of nearest pursuer Impaire Et Passe. He ultimately beat Protektroat by a wide margin to claim the Bowl Chase. (Racing Post)
It was not all plain sailing for Nicky Henderson and Nico De Boinville though. Lulamba was the odds-on favourite for the Manifesto Novices’ Chase but blundered and unseated De Boinville. That handed the initiative to clear second favourite Koktail Divin, who came home in front for Darragh O’Keeffe and Henry De Bromhead. Rank outsider Blueking d’Oroux chased him home in second. (At The Races)