Auroras Encore, the 66/1 outsider who won the Grand National in 2013, has died at the age of 23. The horse, trained by Sue Smith and ridden by Ryan Mania, triumphed at Aintree by nine lengths, becoming the longest-priced winner of the race in over 15 years.
J Parkinson & S Smith Racing 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 bay gelding won eight of his 47 starts, including six over fences. His stamina was evident before his Aintree victory, having finished second in the 2012 Scottish Grand National. He was the first northern-trained winner of the Grand National in more than three decades.
Auroras Encore raced only twice after his Grand National triumph and was retired in 2014 following a leg injury at Doncaster. Trainer Sue Smith had hoped for a happy retirement, saying at the time: “He doesn’t owe us anything. This is a racing injury… I just want him back to his retirement.”
