Grand National winner Ryan Mania returns to saddle

Ryan Mania has been cleared to return to racing following his heavy fall at Hexham

Grand National winning jockey Ryan Mania has been cleared to return to racing after suffering a heavy fall the day after his historic triumph.

He is expected to get back in the saddle on Friday before riding Aintree winner Auroras Encore in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Saturday.

The Galashiels jockey was released from hospital last week after his accident at Hexham racecourse.

Auroras Encore was narrowly beaten in last year's Scottish National.

Mania received the all clear to return to action by British Horseracing Authority chief medical advisor Dr Michael Turner.

The Borders jockey said: "I saw my own GP and then he sent the results of some tests to Dr Turner and, thankfully, he is happy for me to ride again."

He said he was delighted as he would not have wanted to miss the chance of riding Auroras Encore in the Ayr race.