Newland back for more Pineau Dr Richard Newland is already looking forward to seeing Pineau De Re defend his crown in next year's Crabbie's Grand National following his brilliant display at Aintree on Saturday. The 11-year-old produced prodigious leaps at the final two obstacles and galloped all the way to the line up the famously punishing run-in to seal a momentous victory in the hands of Leighton Aspell. The veteran warmed up for his Merseyside mission with a superb effort in defeat in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham over hurdles and Newland intends to take in a few races over the smaller obstacles as part of his preparation for the world's greatest steeplechase next term. With the press gathered at the trainer's Worcestershire base to see the latest National hero the morning after his heroics, Newland was delighted to report his stable star to be none the worse for his exertions, and he will now be given a well-deserved holiday. Newland said: "He gave 110 per cent but he's fine this morning. He's going to go up in the handicap now and it won't be easy for him next season as there aren't a lot of races. We'd like to bring him back and have another go at the National, so perhaps we'll go down the hurdling route and do a similar thing to this year. He deserves a nice summer break now." The handler seems to be one of those rare people who would achieve in any field, and the residents of Claines, just three miles from Worcester, are grateful his passion happens to be for racing. Linacres Farm lies along Egg Lane, as predictably rural, narrow and winding as it sounds, and the nearby village is essentially known only for having a curious pub. Looking placid and just a little tired as he appeared from his stable in a bright rug, the 11-year-old Pineau De Re was greeted by the friends and family of Newland and his owner, John Provan, as well as journalists, camera crews and dozens of others wandering in from up the road. The Mug House, an ancient and reputedly haunted hostelry accessible only via the church graveyard, was the first port of call for connections on their return from Aintree. Newland said: "There were about 300 people there having an impromptu party. I hadn't realised how much it had touched people - there were so many locals who were excited about a horse from Claines, a horse from Worcestershire, who had won the National." The trainer, who accumulated wealth first as a general practitioner and then by establishing the private Newhall Medical Practice in Birmingham, seems to have life cracked. He built 12 stables next to his house and the gallop overlooks a stunning vale. His half-a-dozen staff, like the hero's groom Milly Murray, are all bright and impressive while Rod Trow, assistant trainer and main man when Newland is required in the business world, is an accomplished sports coach. Newland has no plans to expand the operation and went on: "This is a hobby, and I don't see why we need to change. Sometimes with bigger trainers, who are under more pressure, I don't know if it's as enjoyable. I'm in a fortunate position, and I'm keen for the enjoyment not to go out of it." Among the revellers still in the previous day's clothes was Provan himself, who was eager to scrub up before joining Newland on a chartered helicopter to Market Rasen. Born in Glasgow, he once rode against Princess Anne, who presented him with the National trophy, and now runs a printing and packaging company in Birmingham. He said: "We were going to go back home to Derbyshire but we had to come back here and we somehow persuaded the taxi driver to take us. As soon as I got in the pub I was drenched with champagne. We stayed in the local bed and breakfast, but I hadn't even brought a change of clothes. I've lost my voice as well."
