National Encore for Scots jockey
SUE SMITH became only the third female in history to train the winner of the John Smith’s Grand National as 66-1 outsider Auroras Encore claimed the Aintree spectacular.
Beaten just a head in the Scottish National at Ayr a year ago, the 11- year- old had been well beaten in recent starts but came to challenge for the lead jumping the final fence.
While the complexion of the National has changed so many times on the long run- in in the past, the result was scarcely in doubt on this occasion as Auroras Encore galloped all the way to the line under Scottish- born jockey Ryan Mania to score by nine lengths.
Cappa Bleu finished strongly to grab the runner- up spot, with Teaforthree and Oscar Time third and fourth respectively.
Mania, from Galashiels, said: “There’s no words to describe it, I got a dream ride all the way — I couldn’t believe my luck.
“I couldn’t fault the old horse. He was second in the Scottish National last year and I thought I should stay loyal to him and thank God I did. I never really had an anxious moment, he made a couple of mistakes, that’s all.”
Bingley- based Smith said: “It’s unbelievable, he gave him such a good ride.
“I knew the ground was right for him and hoped everything else was. He stayed down the middle and had a bit of luck in running. He didn’t have a lot of weight and that helped, too.
“He’s such a grand little horse, you can ride him anyway you like.
“I just feel sorry for the previous owners, who were wonderful and sold him because of ill health.”
Smith’s husband, former world famous showjumper Harvey Smith, said: “It’s superb, absolutely spot-on.
“All the horses have come back in one piece. Everyone has worked hard to get it as a safe course and that has proved it today. This is the best moment of my career.”
Auroras Encore could now have another crack at the Scottish National on April 20.
Owner Jim Beaumont said: “We would like to go for the Scottish National, if Sue says we can.”
Jenny Pitman became the first lady to train a Grand National winner when Corbiere won the race in 1983, and she went on to saddle a second winner withRoyal Athlete in 1995.
Venetia Williams struck gold with 100- 1 shot Mon Mome in 2009.