BORDERS jockey Ryan Mania said he was “over the moon” with his win at Cheltenham this afternoon.

The 2013 Grand National winner took the Ultima Handicap Chase on 28-1 shot Vintage Clouds on the opening day of the festival.

And the former Braw Lad, who took a break from the sport seven years ago, couldn’t hide his emotions at the post.

He told ITV Racing: “I never ever thought I'd hear those words mentioned.

"It's been a long road back, as everyone knows I took nearly five years out the game.

“To come back to Cheltenham - I was lucky to get rides, never mind winners. I'm absolutely over the moon.

"Eighteen months after the Grand National I was in a dark space, I saw no way out of it and had to walk away from the sport I love.

"I was enticed back with unfinished business being the main reason. Luckily I've come back and it's all going really well.”

There was also success for Jedburgh trainer Harriet Graham, after Aye Right finished in third.