Nick Rockett seals fairytale Grand National win for Bradford-born owner and late wife at 33-1

NICK ROCKETT sealed a fairytale Grand National win for Bradford-born Stewart Andrew – with his beloved late wife’s favourite horse.

The Willie Mullins-trained monster ridden by amateur jockey and son Patrick saw off last year’s winner I Am Maximus at huge odds of 33-1.

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Amateur jockey Patrick Mullins – son of legendary trainer Willie – flies past the post on 33-1 Nick Rockett to win the Grand National[/caption]

Patrick is carried back into the winner’s enclosure by Stewart Andrew, the owner of Nick Rockett whose wife sadly died a little over two years ago

Andrew’s wife Sadie died from cancer in December 2022 just days after seeing Nick Rockett’s debut run.

Nick Rockett is still officially owned by Stewart and Sadie Andrew – but it is just Stewart who travels between Britain and Ireland watching his superstar horse.

And he will have looked to the skies toasting his late wife after the win of a lifetime, which sealed him a cheque for £500,000.

Unflappable Mullins, the top trainer over jumps, broke down in tears on live TV after – the emotion of the incredible win far too much even for him.

Stewart hoisted Patrick on his shoulders as they marched back into the winner’s enclosure under the blazing spring sunshine.

The emotional owner said after the win: “Out of such sadness, joy has been born.

“Nick Rockett has done it all for me.”

Stewart said he struggled in the years following his wife’s death, which came just three weeks after she was diagnosed.

But he counts Mullins as a friend – especially after he helped get him out of the ‘shell’ he had got into mourning his wife.

Stewart told the Racing Post: “After Sadie died, I went over to Willie to watch Nick Rockett work with Fergal O’Brien as he had a horse running in the Kerry National and Fergal’s daughter was working for Willie.

“I was in a tough place, missing Sadie, and Willie said he had two horses, Vauban and Absurde, running in the Melbourne Cup and asked if I wanted to come out.

“I went out and had the time of my life with the guys.

“It took me out of a cycle of not socialising as I had gone into a bit of a shell.

“We had a fantastic time and I got asked again last year and there was no way I was going to miss it.”

More to follow.

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