03 January 2023 , 17:28
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Ryan Mania was ‘shocked’ and ‘emotional’ on Tuesday after completing an extraordinary nine-race winning streak over Christmas and New Year..
The 34-year-old Grand National winning-jockey's victory on Massini Man in a handicap chase at Musselburgh was his ninth in a row in races in which his mounts completed the course. Of his other mounts over a six-day period, two were pulled up and the other fell at the last when in the lead.
The sequence, which began at Kelso on December 29, included a New Year’s Day treble at Musselburgh and a double at the Ayr the following day. Seven of his wins were for trainer Sandy Thomson.
Mania was unable to extend it to ten after Better Be Definite finished 11t of 13 in the closing bumper race.
“I am probably in a bit of shock to be honest,” he told Racing TV. “I am good friends with the owners [of Massini Man] and I’m a little bit emotional because it’s been a great time, great festive period for me and for Sandy who I predominantly ride for. It’s great to have some winners and that the horses are running well.”
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Mania, who won the 2013 Grand National on 66-1 chance Auroras Encore, retired from the sport in 2014 because of weight issues but has rebuilt his career since returning in 2019.
The record for riding consecutive winners is ten, set by Johnny Gilbert in 1959 and equalled by Phil Tuck in 1986. Mania was prepared for the run to end.
Speaking before his final ride, he said: “I’m trying to look forward to the next one, trying to ignore it as best I can and focus on the job. It will end at some point but just as long as the horses keep running well that’s all I can ask for.”