DR RICHARD Newland seems to be one of those rare people who would achieve in whichever field they desire and the residents of Claines are grateful his passion is for horse racing.

Linacres Farm lies along Egg Lane, three miles from the city of Worcester, and the nearby village is essentially known only for having a particularly curious pub.

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 well-wishers.

The Mug House, an ancient and reputedly haunted hostelry accessible only via the 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 who had won the National.’’ Newland, who accumulated wealth first as a general practitioner 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 then as an owner, his curiosity led him to start training a few horses just for fun.

This is no amateurish setup, 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.

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.