Pineau De Rey provided a Grand National winner at the first attempt for trainer Dr Richard Newland when Leighton Aspell steered the 25-1 outsider to a five-length victory in the Aintree showpiece on Saturday.
Newland trains a small strong of horses in central England having stopped surgery practice earlier this year.
“We are so lucky to have such a lovely horse. It’s a dream come true – a dream that we’ve have for about 30 years,” he told the BBC.
Aspell retired from the saddle in 2007 but was tempted back two years later and enjoyed his biggest moment having finished second in the race in 2003.
“It’s a wonderful day. I’ve been watching the National since I was a young boy. You secretly crave a bit of success. To get a ride in the National is a great thing and to get one with a live chance is even better,” he said.
Balthazar King (14-1) was second under Richard Johnson with Double Seven, the 10-1 joint favourite ridden by champion jockey Tony McCoy, in third.
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