Doctor has prescription for success

Dr Richard Newland seems to be one of those rare people who would achieve in whichever field they set their mind to and the residents of Claines are grateful his passion happens to be for horse racing.

Linacres Farm lies along Egg Lane, as predictably rural, narrow and winding as it sounds like it might be, and the nearby village is essentially known only for having a particularly curious pub.

Situated just three miles from the city of Worcester, Claines is now also home to the Grand National winner Pineau De Re.

Looking placid and just a little tired as he appeared from his stable in a bright Crabbie’s-sponsored 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.

“There were about 300 people there having an impromptu party,” said Newland.

“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.”

Newland, 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.

Interested in racing first as a punter and then an owner, his curiosity led him to start training a few horses just for fun.

This is no amateurish set-up, though, as the results have shown. He landed Cheltenham’s Coral Cup in his first season as a permit-holder and regularly supplies winners for Tony McCoy and Sam Twiston-Davies, who usually rides Pineau De Re.

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.”

Newland and Provan quickly decided Pineau De Re will have a summer holiday before next year’s National is considered.

“He’s good today,” said Murray. “He can be quite strong on the gallops but he’s an easy horse to deal with.”

Newland said: “He’s not the biggest horse, but staying is his forte and he took to Aintree.

“I actually fancied him to win the Pertemps (he was third) and it won’t be easy to place him next year over fences with his handicap mark so we could go down the hurdling route before coming back again.”