Auroras Encore’s participation in the 2013 Grand National was in doubt ahead of the race due to a bout of bad weather in Yorkshire, but connections decided to go ahead with the plans and the gamble sensationally paid off. He was able to run off just 10st 3lb following a string of disappointing displays and went off at a price of 66/1. Anyone who backed him for success that day took a significant leap of faith but they were handsomely rewarded as a result. Jockey Ryan Mania steered him home in front of a packed Grandstand and later told reporters that he couldn’t believe his luck. Despite being retired just a year later, Auroras Encore’s name will go down in history and Smith will be hoping that Vintage Clouds can follow a similar path.