NICK A GOOD GOLD SHOUT

BY ALAN MAGEE

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GRAND NATIONAL hero Nick Rockett could yet develop into a Cheltenham Gold Cup hope, according to his trainer Willie Mullins.

The eight-year-old gave his handler “the highlight of his life" when carrying son Patrick to a famous Aintree victory back in April, shouldering Tist 8lb to see off stablemate and 2024 winner | Am Maximus by two and a half lengths in a famous result that also saw Mullins send out third-placed Grangeclare West.

Mullins believes that effort could now put him in the Gold Cup frame, although a defence of his Aintree title is another viable route this term.

“He's quite entitled to go back for the Grand National but | think he deserves a Gold Cup entry,” said Mullins,