Auroras Encore made history by becoming the first Yorkshire-trained winner of the world’s most famous steeplechase for more than half a century.

The White Rose’s last Grand National winner was Merryman II in 1960 by Middleham’s Neville Crump, ridden by former starter Gerry Scott.

Auroras Encore’s trainer Sue Smith said yesterday: “I hope this is a boost for northern racing.

“If there’s anyone that bangs the drum for the north, Harvey never leaves them alone.

“He works hard with the British Horseracing Authority to get more prize money and better class races as we have some fantastic tracks.

“It’s 53 years since the last Yorkshire winner – I saw Gerry Scott before the race when he reminded us of the fact and he said he hoped we'd win. I can't believe we did.”

Harvey Smith said winning the Grand National was “a pinnacle of a career”.

And he revealed winning the race was a childhood ambition of his: “When I was an 11-year-old boy I broke my arm and I was in Keighley hospital where they gave me anaesthetic.

“I came round and the nurse gave me a sick bowl, I immediately put it on my head. They all asked what I was doing and I said ‘I’ve just won the Grand National’.”