Grand National-winning rider Ryan Mania will soon be back in the saddle, champion trainer Sue Smith of High Eldwick said yesterday.

Mania is to spend a second night in hospital as he awaits a final MRI scan, before hopefully being discharged tomorrow.

He was hoping to leave hospital today after being injured in a fall at Hexham on Sunday.

Mania, 23, was taken by air ambulance to hospital in Newcastle on his return to action after winning the National on Mrs Smith’s Auroras Encore at Aintree on Saturday.

Just 24 hours after his win, the Scottish jockey had linked up once again with Mrs Smith in the St John Lee Handicap Hurdle.

However, his mount Stagecoach Jasper came down early on the final circuit and Mania apparently received a kick in the back.

Speaking yesterday from Craiglands Farm, Bingley, Mrs Smith said she sent her best wishes to Ryan: “He’s a tough, hardy lad and I’m sure he’ll be back riding soon,” she said.

Mrs Smith added she had ridden out on Auroras Encore yesterday morning.

“I rode him myself this morning and he seems particularly well in himself and everything is in very good order with the old lad.”

In a statement issued last night his agent, Bruce Jeffrey, said: “Ryan Mania will be staying for a second night at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. He is waiting for a final MRI scan to give him the all-clear and allow him to return home. It is expected he will have the scan tomorrow and then leave the hospital.”

Mr Mania said: “I’d like to thank all my friends, family and everyone who has given me support since my accident. I feel okay and I’m really looking forward to being able to leave the hospital and get back to normal life.”