CHAMPION race horse trainer Sue Smith of Bingley has told of her surprise at the shock retirement of Grand National-winning jockey Ryan Mania who rode her horse Auroras Encore to glory.

The 25-year-old jockey from the Scottish Borders has announced his departure after say he no longer "got a kick out of winning" despite being first past the post on four mounts last week.

Mania found sudden fame after he won the classic Aintree race in 2013 on Auroras Encore at 66-1.

But a day later he suffered a serious neck injury in a crunching fall while racing at Hexham.

He has cited a constant battle with keeping down his weight as the main reason for his decision to retire.

Sue Smith runs a top stables high above Bingley with her ex-showjumper husband Harvey and said she wished the jockey all the best for the future:

"He says he'll be coming down to see us in the next couple of days and we'll speak to him about it all then," said Mrs Smith, speaking at Wetherby races today.

"It was certainly a bit of a surprise and he will be going out on a high having just ridden four winners.

"Ryan has done a really good job in the three years he's been with us and ridden loads of winners for us.

"He had a good season last year with a total of 53.

"We obviously wish him well.

"This is what he wants to do and it's understandable that he can't go on racing if his heart isn't in it," Mrs Smith said.

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