Rejuvenated Ryan Mania ready for comeback after winning battle with the scales

Grand National-winning jockey Ryan Mania is set to return to the weighing room on Monday with the allure of race-riding proving too much to resist after nearly five years out of the saddle.

Mania shot to prominence in 2013 when partnering 66-1 shot Auroras Encore to victory in the Grand National at Aintree for Sue Smith on his first attempt at navigating the famous course.

But in November the following year, a then 25-year-old Mania retired, citing ongoing struggles with his weight which were in turn affecting his enjoyment of the sport.

However, after experiencing the buzz of competitive riding a few years ago Mania is ready and raring to go again, with Ayr the venue for his Monday comeback.

Speaking on Saturday, Mania, now 30, said: "At the time I had no regrets. I retired because I couldn't see any other way. I was waking up 11st every morning and it was just painful. I took time off and never looked back at the time.

Auroras Encore leads the field en route to victory in the 2013 Grand NationalCredit: Alex Livesey

"But then three years ago I rode in a charity race. I had to lose a bit of weight to ride in it and had to get in that mindset again. Then I rode in the race and I could have gone back then.

"I was committed to a new job and was planning on asking the now-wife to marry me, so I just thought there was too much going on.

"It was always in my head and I just wanted to know if I could do it. I wanted to try and get the weight down and if I didn't manage it then at least I would know. The weight loss went easily and comfortably and I'm over the moon."

In recent years greater research and understanding into sports nutrition has helped jockeys eschew previous methods such as fasting and extensive sauna use, and Mania is among those to reap the benefits.

"Things have moved on a heap," he added. "It was just starting as I finished but it was too little to late at the time [for me]. The nutritionist I've used doesn't really understand racing but he understands the body amazingly. To lose what I've lost and not be killing myself in the gym is just amazing."

Ryan Mania aboard the Donald McCain-trained Lexi's BoyCredit: Grossick Racing Photography 0771

Now comfortably tipping the scales at 10st 7lb, Mania is looking forward to riding for his stepfather-in-law Sandy Thomson, who he has been working for as an assistant since May, with the jockey's first target to ride the eight winners he needs for 200 career successes.

"I remember telling him [Thomson] on a very drunken night on holiday in the summer that it was my intention to ride again," Mania recalled. "I don't think he believed me to begin with, but as the weeks progressed he realised I was serious."

Thomson also remembered the holiday conversation, and speaking at Kelso on Saturday, he added: "I'm delighted to have him back. There's no doubt he was a great loss to northern racing because he's a great horseman and has huge ability.

"His downfall was that it all came far too easily to him. He wasn't from a horsey background and he had no right to be able to ride and it was all too easy for him. The weight was obviously an issue and now he's settled down. If he can get another four or five years it would be brilliant."

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