The district’s new sporting hero took the attention of the world in his formidable stride yesterday – and even went down the pub!

Bingley horse racing trainer Sue Smith glowed with pride as Auroras Encore, the 66-1 outsider who romped home to victory in Saturday’s John Smith’s Grand National, was paraded to a crowd of well-wishers at her local Dick Hudsons in High Eldwick.

The 11-year-old, which was bought for just £9,000, with 23-year-old Scottish jockey Ryan Mania aboard, won the world’s most famous steeplechase by nine lengths at the Aintree course.

But Mr Mania’s weekend ended on a distinct low when he suffered a nasty fall as he returned to action for the Smiths’ stable at Hexham yesterday afternoon and had to be airlifted to hospital in Newcastle after suffering a heavy kick to the shoulder.

Speaking yesterday of her horse’s unexpected win Mrs Smith, 65, who became only the third woman to train a National winner, said: “I am very proud but also quite happy it is all over today.

“We marked the occasion with a few drinks at Dick Hudsons pub last night with the owners but we didn’t get back until late.

“It is really nice to bring him back and do this for the local community. It was not well publicised with the short notice but it’s nice to see a crowd of people turned out.

“It is just great for Yorkshire as well.”

The yard she runs at Craiglands Farm in High Eldwick with her husband Harvey, 74, has about 40 horses and she admitted the phone was likely to be ringing with more owners wanting to take advantage of her expertise.

The total prize money awarded for Auroras Encore’s win was £545,000 which will be divided up between the owners and the trainers.

Mrs Smith said: “Ryan gave the horse such a good ride. We knew the ground was right, we knew everything else was and it was.

“He had a bit of luck in running but he didn't have much weight so that helped. But it was no fluke. The horse has plenty of miles on the clock and is very sensible, he’s a brilliant ride.

“The prize money is just a bonus really. It is really about the prestige of winning the race.”

Her husband, a former world famous show jumper, added: “We’ve been doing it all our lives it is another day’s work for us, but we are extremely proud. It is just a once in a lifetime job.

“The prize money will just be put back into another year’s work.”

One of Auroras Encore’s three owners Douglas Pryce, who was also enjoying meeting the crowds yesterday, said: “It is just about sinking in, it is just absolutely marvellous. It has been a truly enjoyable experience.

“I’ve enjoyed all the interviews with the press, as they say all publicity is good publicity.

“We all had a few drinks at Aintree and then when we got back here we went to Dick Hudsons pub to celebrate with a few drinks of wine and champagne. I am very proud.”

Mr Pryce added: “I will be spending my share on investments, and projects including helping smaller businesses thrive. I will also be passing some on to my kids towards their inheritance.”

The famous victory was also welcomed by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Dale Smith, who said: “It is tremendous news for Bradford and was recognition for the skill of Sue Smith and the support of her husband Harvey to achieve this fabulous result.

“I am kicking myself that I didn’t make an effort to bet, you just miss out if you’re not prepared to take the gamble. But I’m sure a lot of people in the district will have benefited from the win.

“I think it would be very appropriate to have a small reception for the trainers and the rider.

“Obviously it would have to fit in with their schedules but I’m sure the City Hall would come together to celebrate another sparkling achievement for Bradford. We have achieved not only on the football pitch but on the jumping ground.”

Councillor John Pennington (Con, Bingley) said: “I’m highly delighted for her. What was it, 66-1? That’s fabulous, isn’t it? I like the underdog to win. I haven’t met anyone yet who put a 66-1 bet on though!”

He said he would back the idea of a civic reception for the couple and their team at the Bingley stables.

He said: “I’m glad for the Smiths because it will put their stable even more on the map, which in turn puts Bingley and our general district on the map, so it’s a win-win.

“I think it’s really easy to forget the long, hard dark mornings when they are out training. Of course, it’s a wonderful thing to win a race like the Grand National but a lot of hard work goes into it and a lot of dark, misty, grey mornings!”

Councillor Mark Shaw (Con, Bingley) also echoed praise for the win, he said: “It was nice to see someone from Bingley win something so important.

“It is amazing. For the area to get such a major win is so great to see.

“It would be nice to acknowledge the achievement in Bradford in some way. The area’s sporting achievements of late are amazing.”

Mrs Smith’s achievements have also been hailed by legendary trainer Jenny Pitman, who became the first woman to train a winner of the Aintree spectacular when Corbiere won the race in 1983, and she went on to saddle a second winner with Royal Athlete in 1995.

She said: “We’ve known Sue and Harvey for donkeys years and if ever justice was done, yesterday it was, as they so deserved this winner.

“There would not be one person in the horse industry as a whole that wouldn’t have been chuffed about the result.

“They put their heart and soul into everything they do, they’re horse people through and through.”