Grand National-winning jockey Ryan Mania has been handed a significant suspension by racing authorities after being found to have failed to demonstrate sufficient effort during a race at Wetherby. The 37-year-old rider, famous for his 2013 Grand National victory on 66-1 outsider Auroras Encore, faces an eleven-day ban from competitive racing following the disciplinary ruling.
Stewards' Inquiry Leads to Suspension
The controversy centres on Mania's ride aboard the Ruth Jefferson-trained Dontelimurnamepike in the Juvenile Hurdle at the Yorkshire track. The four-year-old gelding, starting at 50-1 odds for his third career outing, remained towards the rear for most of the contest before making limited progress approaching the final obstacle, eventually finishing fifth and over twenty-one lengths behind the winner Klycot.
Following the race, stewards initiated an inquiry into the running and riding of the horse, with the British Horseracing Authority subsequently determining that Mania had failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to secure the best possible placing for his mount.
Conflicting Accounts Emerge During Hearing
During the disciplinary hearing, Mania explained that his instructions were to ride the horse "in a handy position and ride the race as he found it" while being mindful that Dontelimurnamepike had previously run out during a race. The jockey claimed his mount struggled with the ground conditions and lost position on the away bend, requiring encouragement throughout the back straight.
Mania further stated that he deliberately avoided using his whip, instead riding out hands and heels to pass weakening horses and achieve what he believed was the best possible placing. However, trainer Ruth Jefferson confirmed the instructions while expressing reservations about how far back the horse was ridden compared to her expectations.
Additional Weight Violation Compounds Penalty
In a separate incident on the same race day, Mania was reported by the clerk of the scales after weighing in at 11st 4lb, having weighed out at exactly 11st. This 4lb discrepancy resulted in an additional one-day suspension, bringing his total ban to eleven days.
The suspension period has been set for February 5 to February 15 inclusive, effectively removing Mania from competitive riding during this timeframe. The veteran jockey, who has ridden 373 winners throughout his career including his famous Grand National triumph, now faces enforced absence from the sport during this period.
Racing Authority Findings and Veterinary Clearance
The British Horseracing Authority's official report noted that Dontelimurnamepike was "ridden towards the rear of the field and stayed on strongly after jumping the final flight of hurdles." During the inquiry, both Mania and Jefferson were interviewed and shown recordings of the race, while the handicapper offered observations and the examining veterinarian found no physical issues with the horse.
This suspension represents a significant disciplinary action against one of British racing's most recognisable figures, coming nearly thirteen years after his career-defining Grand National victory that captured public imagination. The ruling underscores the strict standards maintained by racing authorities regarding riding effort and professional conduct within the sport.
