Grand National winning jockey Ryan Mania has returned home to a hero's welcome - just hours after being discharged from hospital.
The 23-year-old triumphed in the world-famous race with Auroras Encore on Saturday but was airlifted to hospital the following day after falling from another horse at Hexham, Northumberland.
Ryan Mania suffered a fracture to a vertebra and soft tissue and ligament damage in the fall
The jockey was in Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary for two nights but was released on Tuesday and travelled to his home town of Galashiels in the Scottish Borders for a homecoming parade.
Hundreds of people lined the streets to congratulate him as he toured the town centre on the back of a 4x4 truck before speaking on a stage in front of the Auld Mill pub.
Mania said the last few days had been "crazy" and that he was overwhelmed by the turnout in his home town.
He said: "It means everything, I mean all these people are here to see me and it's a bit overwhelming really, I can't thank them enough.
"The National is the biggest race in the world and it's mad really that I won, but to see all the people here is heartwarming."
More than 300 fans braved heavy rain to cheer Mania as he was paraded through the town led by a pipe band.
The jockey posed for dozens of pictures with delighted locals and signed autographs for children who gathered to cheer him on to the stage.
He suffered a tiny fracture to his C7 vertebra as well as soft tissue and ligament damage due to his fall on Sunday but still managed a hug for his family.
His mother Lesley greeted him before he set off on the tour and said she was "the proudest mum on the planet".
She added: "It's a great turnout, I think there was something similar on Saturday night and it's great to see the town behind him.
"Lots of people put bets on him so maybe they want to say thanks or get him a drink.
"I was at the race and it was just unbelievable, but to see him fall the next day was a real worry but he's fine as far as we know and he's happy as Larry, Ryan just gets up and gets on with it."
Auroras Encore was a 66-1 outsider making plenty of people in Galashiels who put on a bet very happy.
Scott Quinn said: "Plenty of folk backed him, I think only the bookies in the town didn't want him to win, so it's fantastic and I owe him a drink or three whenever he gets the chance."
Mania was presented with a framed picture of himself on board Auroras Encore as a gift from the town.
The jockey now hopes to be back in the saddle in time for next weekend's Scottish Grand National.
"I'm not used to all the attention, it's all gone crazy just because of a horse race. On Friday no one outside the circles I'm involved with knew me but after a nine minute race everyone knows who I am.
"Sunday was a disaster but it happens and I fell ok now, a bit tired and sore, I need to get the all clear from the Jockey Club doctor and hopefully I'll be fit for the Scottish National.
"If I could have I'd have been on a horse today, but it's nice to enjoy this reaction and I want to thank everyone who has turned out and those who support me from the bottom of my heart."