Auroras Encore, the 66/1 outsider who triumphed in the 2013 Grand National, has died at the age of 23. The bay gelding, ridden by Ryan Mania and trained by Sue Smith, powered to a nine-length victory at Aintree, becoming the longest-priced winner of the race in over 15 years.
Trainer Sue Smith and owner J Parkinson announced the news on social media, stating: 'It is with great sadness that we share the passing of 2013 Grand National winner, Auroras Encore, 23. He achieved what every owner, trainer dreams of. After his racing days were over, he spent his retirement here with us. Rest easy, champion. You will always be remembered.'
The Irish-bred gelding won eight of his 47 starts, including six over fences. His stamina was evident when he finished second in the 2012 Scottish Grand National before his Aintree glory. He became the first northern-trained winner of the Grand National in over three decades.
Auroras Encore raced only twice after his Grand National triumph and was retired in 2014 following a leg injury at Doncaster. Smith had hoped for a happy retirement, saying at the time: 'He doesn’t owe us anything. This is a racing injury and I’m afraid that is what you have to expect from the job on occasion. I just want him back to his retirement.'
Jockey Ryan Mania recalled the victory: 'Everything went right. Crossing the Melling Road I thought we could be in the first three or four. I couldn’t believe the way the front two stopped in front of me at the last.'
