GRAND NATIONAL WINNER Ryan Mania was due to leave hospital on Tuesday after an MRI scan revealed he sustained only minor injuries in a fall the day after his Aintree triumph, his agent said.
The 23-year-old was taken to hospital after tumbling from his mount on his return to action in Hexham on Sunday, a day after his National victory on 66-1 outsider Auroras Encore.
The Scot was kicked between the shoulder blades after his fall and spent two nights in hospital, but a scan of his neck and back showed no serious damage.
“Ryan had his MRI scan this morning and it has shown up a very small fracture in his C7 vertebra and there is also some soft tissue and ligament damage,” Mania’s agent, Bruce Jeffrey, said in a statement earlier today.
“Ryan feels fine in himself and he is up and walking about perfectly fine. He is hoping to be back in the saddle in the very near future.
“Once again, Ryan and his family would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody for their support. It has been fantastic, and he just can’t wait to get back riding again.”
A party in Mania’s honour is due to take place in his home town of Galashiels this evening.
Speaking on Monday, Mania said: “I’d like to thank all my friends, family and everyone who has given me support since my accident. I feel OK and I’m really looking forward to being able to leave the hospital and get back to normal life.”
