The 2013 Grand National winner Auroras Encore has passed away at the age of 23.
Ridden by Ryan Mania and trained by Sue Smith, the horse rose to fame when it claimed victory in the sport’s most famous race 13 years ago.
The 66-1 outsider ran clear and won by nine lengths, ahead of Cappa Bleu and Teaforthree, with Mania riding for the first time in the race.
His racing career ran from February 2007 until January 2014, having been Irish bred and British trained. He won two hurdle races and six steeplechases from 47 total runs.
J Parkinson & S Smith Racing announced that the Thoroughbred horse had passed away on Friday.
They wrote on X: ‘It is with great sadness that we share the passing of 2013 Grand National winner, Auroras Encore 23.
Legendary Grand National winner Auroras Encore has passed away at the age of 23
‘He achieved what every owner, trainer dreams of. After his racing days were over, he spent his retirement here with us.
‘Rest easy, champion. You will always be remembered.’
Speaking after the win at Aintree in 2013, Mania said: ‘I couldn’t fault the old horse. He was second in the Scottish National last year and I thought I should stay loyal to him and thank God I did.
‘I never really had an anxious moment, he made a couple of mistakes, that’s all.’
Auroras Encore retired 12 years ago after being beaten by more than 60 lengths in the Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster.
After the race, the horse was found to have sustained a fracture to his right foreleg and retired.
