‘Once in lifetime’ experience

THE stable lad living the dream with Auroras Encore is Ryan Clavin who grew up a short canter away from the Smith’s stables at High Eldwick.

“I had some friends who worked there and I went to ask for job straight after I had left Guiseley School,” said the 32-year-old.

“I’ve ridden since I was eight and I ride Auroras in most of his work on the gallops. When he cleared the last, I was jumping up and down. I knew he was going to keep going and going. This is something that happens just once in a lifetime.

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“I couldn’t get out onto the track quick enough but it’s not me –it’s a huge team effort.”

After driving the horse back from Aintree, Clavin – the Smith’s assistant trainer – was up at daybreak to check on Auroras Encore before another unforgettable day posing for photographs.