Jockeys' agent Bruce Jeffrey dies at age of 51

Jockey Ryan Mania has described Bruce Jeffrey as "a great supporter and friend" following the death of the agent at the age of 51 on Thursday.

Jeffrey, who was based in Selkirk in the Scottish Borders, booked rides for many northern jockeys and played a part in Mania's Grand National triumph on Auroras Encore in 2013. He was also Derek Fox's agent when he won the National on One For Arthur in 2017.

"A nicer man you wouldn't meet and it's a real shame," said Mania. "He was a great supporter and friend, I've known him since I was ten years old. It has come as a bit of a shock."

Ryan Mania: 'I trusted Bruce and knew him so well'Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

In the winter of 2011, Mania had stopped race-riding and was considering retirement before being encouraged back to the saddle by Jeffrey.

"I had a few months off and he gave me a bit more of an incentive because he was just starting up as an agent," Mania said. "I trusted him and knew him so well, so I thought I'd give it a go and it worked really well for a few years. When I won the National, I was with him.

"He loved racing and was very good at speaking to people and everybody always took to him."

The son of a farrier, Jeffrey also had the likes of Sean Quinlan and the now-retired Danny Cook on his books.

His passion for racing extended to having shares in racehorses and he held an interest in showjumping. He leaves long-time partner Shelagh Hogg.