The mother of Ryan Mania, the first Scottish jockey to win the Grand National in 117 years, has described her panic after watching him fall from his horse in a race just 24 hours after his Aintree glory.
Galashiels hero Mania, 23, was airlifted to hospital, where he was last night recovering from his injuries after falling during a minor race at Hexham the day after he romped to victory at Aintree on 66-1 outsider Auroras Encore.
Mania's mother Lesley – who said she was the "proudest mum on the planet" after Saturday's triumph – initially feared the worst.
She watched events unfold on television in a pub in the Borders town, with her son's pregnant girlfriend Edwina Stacy-Marks and his youngest sister.
However, reassurance Mania would make a full recovery came through quickly after he was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Mrs Mania, 50, said: "We have gone from a huge high to a huge low in a matter of hours, but I'm still the proudest mum on the planet. Ryan's girlfriend Edwina and his younger sister Zoe and I were watching the race as Ryan's horse Stagecoach Jasper came down.
"He was kicked between the shoulder blades and airlifted to hospital, but as far as I know it was all precautionary and everything seems to be okay. He's with his dad Kevin and he's speaking and moving."
Mrs Mania said the family were aware of the dangers of racing, especially following the fall at Cheltenham that paralysed Irish jockey JT McNamara.
She added: "You do expect things like this in racing; it is a dangerous sport. In some ways you get used to it, but there's always that shock and panic until you know the outcome.
"I'll be getting updates and can't wait to see my wee boy when he gets home tomorrow."
Mania hopes to get out of hospital today after an MRI scan. He tweeted last night: "Thanks so much for all the messages. I'm grand. Staying in hospital to get another scan tomorrow then should be home. #highsandlows."
His agent, Bruce Jeffrey, promised to update his twitter followers today with news.
"Ryan and his family appreciate all the kind wishes and would like to thank you all very much", he said.
Paul Struthers, chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, tweeted: "@Mania450 is in hospital with friends and family. He's awaiting scan results. Fingers crossed not as bad as first feared. He thanks everyone for their well wishes. Further updates when we have them. #getwellsoon."
The jockey came down at the final circuit at Hexham. He was treated on the track by medics for 30 minutes before being airlifted.
A spokesman for the Great North Air Ambulance said: "Mr Mania has received neck and back injuries. He came off the horse at high speed and may have been hit by another horse while he was on the ground. He has been given extensive painkillers."
In Galashiels, the mood last night was more sober than it had been earlier in the day, when Mania mania had overtaken the Borders town – better known for rugby – as it celebrated his Grand National triumph.
Scott Paterson, landlord of the Old Mill pub, said: "Obviously, everyone who celebrated yesterday was back here to watch Ryan at Hexham and we all saw him fall. We were absolutely gutted. But we're relieved he seems to be okay, and look forward to seeing him here for the town parade on Tuesday, where he will be the guest of honour."
Before Saturday's race, Mania had tipped off his 3500 twitter followers that Auroras Encore was "worth a bet" for the big race. Yesterday, many locals who had acted on his tip were still enjoying their winnings.
"It's taken a bit of time for it to sink in that a wee laddie from Galashiels has won the biggest race in the world," said Mr Paterson.
"Galashiels often gets forgotten about for one reason or another, but hopefully this will lift the town's profile and bring more people in."
He added that pensioners had been among the beneficiaries of Mania's tip. "Elderly ladies from the rugby club were placing bets on Ryan and I've heard that one person has won £6000. I put on £5 each way and won £300."
Bruce White, of the Hunters Hall pub in the town, said: "We're all so proud of Ryan's achievement. I think it would be good for Galashiels to have the same reputation for racing as it has for rugby."
Local Scottish Conservative MSP John Lamont said: "Ryan Mania's fantastic win yesterday is a huge boost for the whole of the Borders.
"The Borders is already well known for our common ridings and festivals, but who would have thought these historic events would have helped to produce a Grand National-winning jockey? Hopefully, Ryan's success will inspire a few more winners."
First Minister Alex Salmond tweeted: "Congratulations to Ryan Mania on a stunning victory. Looking forward to more success in the future."
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