Auroras Encore claims Aintree success
- Published
Auroras Encore sprang a 66-1 surprise to win the 166th Grand National by nine lengths at Aintree.
The 11-year-old, trained by Sue Smith and ridden by Ryan Mania, jumped superbly as 17 of the 40 runners finished the race.
Cappa Bleu (12-1) was second, Teaforthree (10-1) third and 2011 runner-up Oscar Time (66-1) fourth, ahead of Rare Bob (16-1).
The 11-2 race favourite Seabass, ridden by Katie Walsh, faded late on.
She eventually finished 13th.
However, it was Walsh's fellow amateur Sam Waley-Cohen who played a leading role as he sent 2011 runner-up Oscar Time towards the front in the latter stages.
Welsh National runner-up Teaforthree mounted a challenge before Scottish jockey Mania - in his first Grand National ride - appeared at the vanguard with his mount travelling strongly.
They made no mistake at the last and raced away up the run-in for a comprehensive win.