Latest Racing News........In Brief

RYAN MANIA TO HAVE MRI SCAN AFTER FALL AT HEXHAM
Grand National-winning jockey Ryan Mania will stay overnight in hospital before undergoing a precautionary MRI scan on Monday following his crashing fall at Hexham.
Mania, 23, was taken by air ambulance to hospital in Newcastle following the fall on his return to action after winning the National on the Sue Smith-trained Auroras Encore at Aintree on Saturday.
The Scotsman was linking up once again with Bingley-based Smith in the St John Lee Handicap Hurdle.
However, his mount Stagecoach Jasper came down early on the final circuit.
Some 25 minutes after the race Mania was still being attended to on the track by medics and there was a delay to racing following the arrival of the air ambulance.
Mania was conscious following the fall and was put into the air ambulance on a spinal board before being taken to Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary for further assessment.
On Sunday evening he was able to tweet: "Thanks so much for all the messages. I'm grand. Staying in hospital to get another scan tomorrow then should be home."
BITTAR: NO NATIONAL COMPLACENCY
British Horseracing Authority chief executive Paul Bittar pledged racing will not be complacent going forward after the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree on Saturday was hailed a huge success in the wake of a few tough years for the world famous race.
Victory for the Sue and Harvey Smith combination with Auroras Encore was fairytale enough, but the fact all 40 horses and riders returned safely was toasted as the biggest success for a race that has been under serious fire following bleak events of the last few years.
But with course modifications, in particular the replacing of traditional wooden 'cores' of the fences with much more forgiving plastic alternatives, having a positive effect, bookmaker turnover as high as ever and positive viewing figures for the new Channel 4 coverage, the marathon appears to have gained a new lease of life.
Bittar said: "The level of scrutiny and pressure the racecourse and the participants were placed under was not warranted but there nonetheless, and as a result all involved deserve great credit for their contribution to a very positive outcome. "The smooth start, reduced faller rate and absence of injury to either horse or rider is a powerful endorsement for the safety measures introduced not only this year, but also those implemented in recent years. The evidence shows that the welfare record of races run over the Grand National course has been one of steady improvement over the last decade.
"Aintree's undoubted commitment to the welfare of horse and rider has already been demonstrated through its substantial financial investment in safety measures. Working together with the racecourse the BHA is determined to maintain that trend and further manage levels of risk, while acknowledging there is no such thing as a risk-free National.
9 MILLION VIEWERS TUNE IN TO WATCH THE GRAND NATIONAL
A peak audience of almost nine million viewers watched The John Smith's Grand National yesterday on Channel 4 - the first time the broadcaster has covered the iconic event.
The peak audience of 8.9 million - a huge 61% share of the television audience - came at 4.20pm; with the 15 minutes of the race itself attracting an audience of 8.4 million.
The afternoon's live coverage, which ran for four hours ten minutes from 1.00pm to 5.10pm, was watched by an average of 2.9 million, 28% share of viewing.
Channel 4's Chief Creative Officer Jay Hunt said: "I'm delighted that Channel 4's first year covering The Grand National was enjoyed by nearly nine million people. It's testament to the innovative approach of the new Channel 4 racing team and the efforts of the whole channel in supporting this iconic event."