Grand National-winning jockey Mania lifts the lid on new regime and Haydock hope

Grand National-winning jockey Ryan Mania says he is in the shape of his life for the biggest race since his comeback so far at Haydock on Saturday.

Mania, who made a shock return to action in October after nearly five years out of the saddle, will ride the Sandy Thomson-trained Geronimo in the Grade 2 Peter Marsh Chase.

Having cited ongoing struggles with his weight as the primary reason for quitting the saddle, Mania, who won the Grand National on Auroras Encore in 2013, has returned in better condition physically and mentally following work with a sports nutritionist.

Geronimo: Ryan Mania's ride in the Peter Marsh ChaseCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The results have been borne out on the track with the 31-year-old gaining 11 winners, including five from his last 11 rides, and surpassing 200 career victories last week.

"I couldn't be happier with how it's gone, but that's all down to how well Sandy's horses are going at the moment," said Mania.

"I'm fitter and stronger than I've ever been. I genuinely feel amazing when I'm riding – I feel very strong and fit – and I'm never hungry as I'm eating properly."

Ryan Mania's fortnight

January 4
3rd Capard King, 1st Off The Beat, 2nd Stradivarius Davis

January 6
1st Mcgowan's Pass, 4th Deluxe Range

January 10
1st Hastrubal

January 12
2nd Elf De Re, 1st Aloomomo, 3rd Overcourt, 2nd Mymilan

January 17
1st Buckled, PU John Williams

Three-time winner Geronimo has finished out of the places only once in ten starts, when pulled up in last season's Scottish Grand National, and made a successful return at Newcastle last month.

"He did really well to win at Newcastle after quite a while off, particularly as he picked up a little injury on his previous start in the Scottish National," said Mania.

"He's stepping up in grade a lot from what he's achieved so far, but we think he's a nice horse with a realistic chance. He's a stronger horse this year and he handles heavy ground."

Mania, who is Thomson's stepson-in-law, is aiming to get down to his lowest weight since his return with Geronimo set to carry 10st 5lb.

The jockey is leaving no stone unturned, with a precise regime of nutrition and weight-training.

Daily diet plan

500 calories per meal - sample menu

Breakfast Porridge and fruit
Lunch Baked potato with tuna
Dinner Chilli con carne
Snack Fruit smoothie
Drinks Four litres of water - plus tea and coffee

As well as being sent pre-prepared calorie-controlled meals, Mania tries to drink three to four litres of water per day, which has its complications.

"It's difficult as a jockey because you do a lot of driving and I found myself having to pull off the motorway quite a lot," he said.

"I was riding at a similar sort of weight the first time but I was sweating a lot, which I don't do now. I don't have to kill myself in the sauna anymore.

"Now I'm hydrated and well nourished, my body and brain are working a lot better. You feel more like a professional athlete rather than some skinny, little weedy jockey."

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