Auroras Encore ridden by Ryan Mania strolled to an eight-length victory in the Grand National at Aintree.

The 66-1 shot jumped the last ahead of Cappa Bleu and the fading Teaforthree, who finished second and third respectively, before powering down the home straight.

Oscar Time finished fourth, while Katie Walsh, aiming to become the first female to win the historic race, came in 13<sup>th on Seabass.

After a week of questions over the course's safety, there were 17 finishers, with no reported injuries for either horses or jockeys.

Ryan Mania
Mania strolled to victory on Auroras Encore.

"There are no words to describe it. I got a dream ride round, I couldn't believe my luck," says Mania. "I couldn't fault the horse. I had a choice of two but he was second at Ayr last year so I thought I better stay loyal to him. He loved every second of it. He was just class.

"I knew he was capable, even though he hadn't been running well. This is always his time of year, but you couldn't be confident.

"Two years ago I gave up for six months because the rides had dried up, but Sue and Harvey took me in. I realise this will change my life, but I can't go too mad tonight because I am at Hexham tomorrow.

"It went by in a flash," the 23-year-old added. "I tried to jump off the jockeys that have been around before. I couldn't believe the run I got. I was enjoying it. I couldn't have asked for a better ride. I was happy to have been placed and when the front two stopped and I took over, it was unbelievable."

Winning trainer Sue Smith, wife to former Olympic show jumper Harvey, said: "I knew he'd stay the trip and that the ground was in his favour."