Grand National heroes Auroras Encore and Ryan Mania are set to be reunited at Ayr this weekend after they were given the green light for Saturday's Coral Scottish Grand National.

The 11-year-old horse, from Sue Smith’s stable in High Eldwick, romped home to victory by nine lengths in the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree on April 6.

But less than 24 hours after tasting victory in the world’s most famous steeplechase, Mania crashed back down to earth with a bang, having to be airlifted to hospital following a heavy fall at Hexham.

Despite suffering a small fracture to a vertebra as well as some soft tissue and ligament damage to his neck, Mania was discharged from hospital last Tuesday and was given the all-clear yesterday by British Horseracing Authority chief medical advisor Dr Michael Turner to return to the saddle.

Mania said: “I saw my own GP and then he sent the results of some tests to Dr Turner and, thankfully, he is happy for me to ride again.

“I’m delighted as I wouldn’t wanted to have missed riding Auroras Encore. The plan is to come back at Ayr on Friday.”

Auroras Encore, a 66-1 winner of the Aintree spectacular, will have to carry top-weight of 11st 12lb as he aims to become the first horse since the legendary Red Rum in 1974 to complete the rarely-attempted National double.

Coral make Rival D’Estruval the 6-1 favourite, with Auroras Encore 12-1.

Trainer Sue Smith said: "If I had any doubts or second thoughts about his well-being at all, we wouldn't send him, but at this minute in time it looks like we might let him take his chance.

"If it absolutely poured down with rain and the ground went very soft, that would be a big no-no, but if the ground stays as it is, then he'll probably run."

Mrs Smith is set to be doubly-represented in the extended four-mile feature, with Fill The Power now guaranteed a run after climbing to 26th in the weights.