Grand National-winning jockey Ryan Mania came through his first ride unscathed since returning from injury on the opening day of the Scottish Grand National meeting at Ayr.
Mania made his comeback aboard the Sandy Thomson-trained Signalman, a 28-1 shot for the Play Golf At Close House Handicap Hurdle.
They grey came through to take up the running three flights from home, but eventually faded to finish fourth.
Less than 24 hours after partnering 66-1 shot Auroras Encore to a memorable success in the Grand National two weeks ago, Mania had to be airlifted to hospital after suffering a heavy fall at Hexham.
Despite sustaining a fractured vertebra, as well as soft-tissue and ligament damage to his neck, Mania was out of hospital just a couple of days later and was given the all-clear by doctors earlier this week to return to the saddle.
“That was great. I didn’t feel any pain, and I couldn’t have had a better ride back,” Mania said.
“It’s been great to get back so soon and hopefully it’s all systems go now.
“The main thing is I feel OK and I’m not in any pain.”
