• Horse Racing

Grand National jockey airlifted to hospital

ESPN staff
April 7, 2013
Ryan Mania mounted Auroras Encore to a shock Grand National win © PA Photos
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Grand National winning jockey Ryan Mania has been airlifted to hospital after suffering a heavy fall at Hexham racecourse.

The 23-year-old spent 25 minutes receiving on-course treatment following his fall from the Sue Smith-trained Stagecoach Jasper at the fifth hurdle in the 3.10pm race, before air ambulance arrived to transfer him to hospital. Racing at the meet was subsequently delayed.

The fall came 23 hours after Mania mounted 66/1 shock outsider Auroras Encore, also trained by Smith, to a nine-length victory in Saturday's Grand National race at Aintree.

It had been reported that Mania was conscious as the air ambulance arrived and a later statement from the Great North Air Ambulance service confirmed the jockey had left the course in a stable condition. He will have an MRI scan on Monday morning.

"Mr Mania has received neck and back injuries," a spokesman for the Great North Air Ambulance said. "He came off the horse at high speed and may have been hit by another horse while he was on the ground.

"He has been given extensive painkillers and is currently in a stable condition. He has been taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle."

Hexham clerk of the course James Armstrong added: "Ryan Mania taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. He was conscious and talking all the time."

Mania later tweeted from his hospital bed: "Thanks so much for all the messages. I'm grand. Staying in hospital to get another scan tomorrow then should be home."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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