Pineau De Re makes National dream come true

Pineau De Re won the 2014 Crabbies Grand National at Aintree under jockey Leighton Aspell, making a long-held dream come true for the horse’s connections.

That’s racing

The 11-year-old gelding is trained by Doctor Richard Newland, who has just 12 horses in training at his yard in Worcestershire.

Dr Newland bought the horse last year after it won the Ulster National – and told his friend John Provan that he could be an Aintree contender. He was right, with Pineau De Re becoming the yard’s first Grand National runner.

“John and I are very old friends who have been going to Aintree for 20 years and have always dreamed of having a Grand National horse,” said Richard. “I had this inkling that this horse had run his career best over three-and-a-half miles and there could be more to come. It was a bit bizarre to be buying a 10-year-old but we took a chance. We certainly didn’t think he’d romp home in the National but he has and that’s racing.”

Back from retirement

Winning jockey Leighton Aspell had retired from racing in 2007 but came back to the sport two years later.

“I was second on my first ride in 2003 on Supreme Glory for Pat Murphy and I had a few other rides since,” said Leighton. “I got around again once, then had a few falls and unseats but since 2003 this has been the first time I had a ride with a live chance. I was very excited and looking forward to today.”

Pineau De Re finished five lengths clear of Balthazar King (Richard Johnson) in second, while Double Seven and AP McCoy finished third.

Non-starter

There was somewhat more drama in this year’s race compared to last year, when just two horses fell.

Battle Group refused to move as the other runners started to set off, which resulted in a false start, and Brendan Powell’s mount then refused to go with the others on the second attempt.

Out of the 39 runners that did set off, eight horses fell – including Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Long Run. A further six jockeys were unseated, including Nick Scholfield on the pre-race favourite Teaforthree.

Seven horses were pulled up, while 18 finished the race. Early reports say that no horses or riders have been seriously injured.