Mania raring to go for National double on Encore

John Smith’s Grand National heroes Auroras Encore and Ryan Mania are set to be reunited at Ayr this weekend after both were given the green light for Saturday’s Coral Scottish Grand National.

Less than 24 hours after tasting victory in the world’s most famous steeplechase on April 6, Mania crashed back down to earth with a bang, having to be airlifted to hospital following a heavy fall at Hexham.

Despite suffering a small fracture to a vertebra as well as some soft tissue and ligament damage to his neck, Mania was discharged from hospital last Tuesday and has now been given the all-clear by British Horseracing Authority chief medical advisor Dr Michael Turner to return to the saddle.