A SUDDEN SHOCK UNPRECEDENTED IN HORSE RACING HISTORY: Coach Sue Smith suddenly shared the shocking news of the death of legendary horse AURORAS ENCORE – who had won the world’s most prestigious horse race with odds of 66-1, shocking and grieving the entire horse racing world!
The horse racing world was plunged into mourning this week following the sudden and deeply saddening announcement that Auroras Encore, the unforgettable 66-1 winner of the 2013 Grand National, has passed away at the age of 23. The news, shared directly by the yard of trainer Sue Smith and her team at J Parkinson and Sue Smith Racing, arrived without any prior warning of decline, leaving fans, jockeys, owners, and fellow trainers across Britain and beyond stunned and grieving.
In a heartfelt statement posted on social media on May 8, the connections simply stated: “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of 2013 Grand National winner, Auroras Encore, 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.” The abruptness of the revelation has amplified the sense of loss, as the racing community reflects on how one of its most cherished underdog heroes has departed.
Auroras Encore’s story remains one of the greatest fairy tales in the long history of the Grand National, the world’s most famous and punishing steeplechase. On that spring day at Aintree in 2013, few gave the Irish-bred gelding any serious chance. Ridden by Ryan Mania in his first ride in the race and trained by Sue Smith in Yorkshire, the horse started at a massive 66-1. Yet as the field of forty runners tackled the demanding four-and-a-half-mile course and thirty formidable fences, Auroras Encore produced a performance of pure class and stamina.
He conserved energy early, made steady progress through the middle section, and then surged clear after the final flight to win by a resounding nine lengths. The victory sent shockwaves around the globe. It was the longest-priced winner of the race in more than fifteen years and the first success for a northern-trained horse in over three decades. Bookmakers paid out huge sums, casual viewers were captivated, and the racing world celebrated a true sporting miracle.
The triumph transformed lives. Auroras Encore had been purchased for just 9,500 guineas by the late Harvey Smith, Sue Smith’s father-in-law, who spotted his potential. In a career of 47 starts he recorded eight wins and earned more than £725,000 in prize money. He had already finished a fine second in the 2012 Scottish Grand National, proving his staying power over the big fences. For Sue Smith it was the crowning moment of a distinguished training career. She later admitted she would have been delighted with a top-five finish, yet her horse and jockey delivered something far greater.
Jockey Ryan Mania described the win as “one of those very unexpected things in life, a monumental success” that proved life-changing, opening doors and securing his place in racing history forever. Owners Douglas Pryde and David Van Der Hoeven spoke of a dream fulfilled; having a Grand National winner had been a lifelong ambition, and Auroras Encore made it reality in unforgettable style.
After his Aintree glory, Auroras Encore raced only twice more before a leg injury at Doncaster in 2014 ended his career. Retirement brought twelve years of genuine contentment at the Smith yard in Yorkshire. He lived peacefully in spacious fields, received regular farriery, dental care, vaccinations, and winter shelter when needed. Joel Parkinson, Sue Smith’s grandson who now helps run the operation, later reflected that the horse “couldn’t have had a happier time.” Those years allowed Auroras Encore to remain a living legend, a symbol of what patient, honest training and a brave heart can achieve.
The sudden announcement of his passing on May 8, 2026, therefore struck with particular force. There had been no public signs of trouble; the champion had simply reached the natural end of a long and fulfilling life. The yard’s decision to share the news promptly and personally allowed the entire racing family to mourn together. Tributes poured in immediately. Ryan Mania paid moving tribute to the horse that changed his life. Fellow trainers and owners recalled the joy of that 2013 afternoon.
Thousands of fans on social media shared memories of backing the longshot or watching the race live, many calling Auroras Encore their all-time favorite National winner. The outpouring confirmed what everyone already knew: this was no ordinary horse. He embodied the magic and unpredictability that makes the Grand National the people’s race.
In an era when favorites often prevail, Auroras Encore proved that the impossible remains possible. His nine-length demolition of a top-class field at 66-1 will forever rank among the greatest shocks in British sporting history. For Sue Smith and her team he was the horse who delivered the ultimate dream. His peaceful retirement and dignified passing only add to the respect in which he is held. While the shock of his loss is still raw, the legacy he leaves is one of pure inspiration.
Future generations of racing fans will continue to hear the story of the modest purchase who became a champion, the longshot who silenced the doubters, and the gentle retiree who spent his final years in the same Yorkshire fields where his legend was born.
Auroras Encore may have left us, but his spirit endures every time a new longshot lines up at Aintree or a young jockey dreams of glory. Rest easy, champion. You achieved the impossible, brought joy to millions, and will never be forgotten. The racing world is poorer for your passing, yet infinitely richer for having witnessed your remarkable journey.
