Nick Rockett finished third at Down Royal in his prep run for the Grand National next month. Both Iroko and Jagwar lie in wait there, with the pair’s trainers announcing that both are intended runners.
Those are the headlines in the racing news today, with more stories below in our daily round-up.
Grand National: Nick Rockett qualifies as Iroko & Jagwar have aims set
Last year’s Grand National hero Nick Rockett qualified for the 2026 Grand National on Tuesday. The nine-year-old needed to race over 3m+ this season to be able to defend his title. Always towards the rear of the quartet in his contest at Down Royal, he and Patrick Mullins saw out their race well, albeit uncompetitively in third place. The Bluegrass Racehorse Cube Chase was won comfortably by former Gold Cup runner-up Gerri Colombe, with 14-year-old Roi Mage second. (Irish Mirror)
Joint trainer Josh Guerriero has announced that Jagwar is to join stablemate Iroko in the Grand National field. Iroko was fourth in the big race last year and finished tenth most recently in the Ultima Handicap Chase. Jagwar was an unlucky runner-up in that contest, but the seven-year-old could seek Aintree compensation. He has endured a run of near misses this season with form figures of 322. The pair are the leading British-trained horses in the Grand National betting. (Sporting Life)
Sheehan & Slevin to miss part of Aintree festival
Both Gavin Sheehan and JJ Slevin have picked up bans for winning rides at the Cheltenham Festival. Their misdemeanours ensure both will miss a part of the Aintree festival, although they can resume in time for the Grand National should they have a ride in the race. Sheehan used his wipe twice above the permitted level aboard Johnny’s Jury when winning the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. Slevin did the same aboard Home By The Lee in the Stayers’ Hurdle. (Racing Post)
Government urged to curb affordability checks
Calls have been made for the government to intervene on the Gambling Commission’s proposed “frictionless” affordability checks. The Betting And Gaming Council (BGC) has urged a rethink of the plans, due to be implemented in May. The BGC suggests that the new checks will not work for the sake of punters, 120,000 of whom may be asked to submit personal financial documents in order to keep betting. (Racing Post)
Amateur jockey outlines Cheltenham Hunter Chase success
Amateur jockey Henry Crow has talked about his memorable success in the Hunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Crow guided Barton Snow to victory over perennial runner-up Its On The Line in the race after the Gold Cup. Crow told a local publication that: “I’m still on a bit of a high from it. I’ll always remain an amateur, so this is as high as it gets for me.” A follow-up bid in the Aintree Foxhunters over the Grand National fences remains on the table. (Shropshire Star)