Grand National winner Ryan Mania 'bit sore' but on mend

Auroras Encore in his stable with winning jockey Ryan Mania during the winners photocall at Craiglands Farm, Bingley (PA)

After a weekend that catapulted him to fame, and then almost directly into a hospital bed, Ryan Mania spent yesterday patiently awaiting confirmation that he had not used up all his luck in winning the Grand National at the first attempt on Auroras Encore. The young jockey, airlifted to hospital in Newcastle after a hurdles fall at Hexham on Sunday, was expecting to be allowed home last night after a further precautionary scan. Mania's mother, Lesley, described him as "a wee bit sore" but still in high spirits.

Seabass, who finished a disappointing 13th as hot favourite at Aintree, is among the big names now likely to proceed to the Punchestown Festival in a fortnight. Sir Des Champs, Solwhit and Our Conor were also among the entries for various big races at the meeting published yesterday, while Sprinter Sacre himself has yet to be ruled out.

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