Lift-off in Rockett's pub as horse soared to Grand National win

Bar owner on 'surreal moment' with punters at Aintree triumph

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN

THE nephew of a man who Grand National winner Nick Rockett was named after said his pub erupted when the horse romped to victory last weekend.

Eddie Rockett, who owns Rockett's Bar in Kilmacthomas in Waterford, said the horse was named after his uncle - who passed away 20 years ago.

The publican said his relative would never have believed the legacy his name would go on to have.

Nick Rockett won the £1m Randox Grand National at Aintree, ridden by Patrick Mullins and trained by his father Willie, who also had winning horses in the second and third spots.

Roddy O'Byrne, who initially bought the winning horse but later sold it, decided to name him after his good friend Nick Rockett.