Just 24 hours after celebrating Pineau De Re’s Grand National triumph the horse’s connections were back in the winner’s circle in the more tranquil surroundings at Market Rasen.
Having hosted the press at his Worcestershire yard in the morning, trainer Dr Richard Newland, accompanied by owner John Provan, arrived by helicopter weighed down by several bottles of champagne.
First to strike for Newland was the Ali Sterling-ridden Dalmo (13-8 favourite) who landed the Lady Riders’ Selling Handicap Hurdle in Provan’s white, green and black colours.
“They all count!” Newland said.
“I’ve got no voice left now after yesterday and now that one. I thought Ali did really well there.”
Newland then teamed up with Grand National winning rider Leighton Aspell to take the feature Novices’ Chase with Ardkilly Witness.
The 8-11 favourite was second to Smad Place earlier in the season and was a gallant runner-up in the valuable Betfred Masters at Sandown. Another trip to the Esher venue is now on the cards, for the former Whitbread Gold Cup.
“I’d hoped he’d do it like that,” Newland said.
“His novice status ends in two months so I wanted him to have one more run against novices as he’ll be in handicaps the rest of his life.
“His target is the Bet365 Chase.
“I’ve only got 12 horses and a lot seem to be staying chasers but I haven’t specifically looked for them, it’s just how they’ve turned out.”
Aspell had a fall from Newland’s Regal D’Estruval another race but but both horse and rider emerged none the worse.
