Auroras Encore, the remarkable 66/1 winner of the 2013 Grand National, has died at the age of 23, prompting an outpouring of tributes for the Aintree hero.
Grand National Glory
Ridden by Ryan Mania and trained by Sue Smith, the bay gelding stormed to victory by nine lengths at Aintree 13 years ago, becoming the longest-priced winner of the prestigious race in over 15 years. The Irish-bred horse won eight of his 47 starts, including six over fences, and his stamina was evident when he finished second in the 2012 Scottish Grand National before his Aintree triumph.
Northern Success
Auroras Encore was the first northern-trained Grand National winner in more than three decades. He raced only twice after his famous victory and was retired in 2014 following a leg injury at Doncaster.
Trainer Sue Smith expressed her joy at the time: "I would have been happy to have been in the first four or five and we've won it. The horse ran a fantastic race, Ryan gave him a fantastic ride." Jockey Ryan Mania added: "Everything went right. Crossing the Melling Road I thought we could be in the first three or four."
Retirement and Passing
After his racing career ended, Auroras Encore enjoyed retirement at the yard of J Parkinson & S Smith Racing. The team announced his passing on social media: "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."
Smith had earlier hoped for a happy retirement, saying: "He doesn't owe us anything. He won the National for us. It doesn't get bigger than that."
