Horse Racing: Ryan Mania improves after injury

Mania, 23, was taken by air ambulance to hospital in Newcastle following yesterday’s fall which came as he returned to action after winning the National on the Sue Smith-trained Auroras Encore at Aintree on Saturday.The Galashiels jockey was linking up once again with Bingley-based Smith in the St John Lee Handicap Hurdle, and his mount Stagecoach Jasper came down early on the final circuit.

Some 25 minutes after the race Mania was still being attended to on the track by medics. With the covers up, there was a delay to racing following the arrival of the air ambulance. He was comfortable enough to post on Twitter last night, writing: “Thanks so much for all the messages. I’m grand. Staying in hospital to get another scan tomorrow then should be home. #highsandlows.”

Paul Struthers, chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, tweeted to say that Mania was “in hospital with friends and family”, adding: “He’s awaiting scan results. Fingers crossed not as bad as first feared.”

Mania received what  appeared to be a kick  between his shoulder blades and was described as very sore before going for further assessment on neck and back injuries. He was reported to be in a stable condition.