BBC Sport - Horse Racing - Red Rum trainer Ginger McCain dies aged 80 Red Rum trainer Ginger McCain dies aged 80 Advertisement From April 2010 - Modest McCain hails 'legend' Red Rum Ginger McCain, trainer of the legendary Grand National winner Red Rum, has died aged 80 after suffering from cancer. McCain guided "Rummy" to three victories and two second places in a five-year period during the 1970s. He was nicknamed "Mister Aintree" for his record at the Merseyside track and won a fourth National with Amberleigh House in 2004. In 2006, McCain handed the reins to son Donald who won the Grand National with Ballabriggs this year. McCain's wife Beryl said: "Donald - Ginger as we all knew him - passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short illness this morning - he would have been 81 on Wednesday. BBC RACING CORRESPONDENT CORNELIUS LYSAGHT Ginger McCain had been an unknown taxi driver and car salesman who trained a few racehorses at Southport before Red Rum achieved his never-to-be-repeated record in the 1970s.

When injury forced the horse's retirement in 1978, McCain and his wife Beryl organised dozens of public appearances before Red Rum died in 1995. Just as Rummy became a household name, so did his trainer with his infectious laugh and colourful politically-incorrect turn of phrase. A long, less successful period post Red Rum was ended by Amberleigh House, who gave McCain a quite unforgettable fourth Grand National win in 2004 "There will be a private family funeral followed by a later memorial service, for which there will be more information in the coming weeks. "Joanne, Donald Jnr and I appreciate all the kindness we are being shown and, at this difficult time, would appreciate it if we were afforded some privacy." Jockey Tony McCoy, who ended a long wait for a Grand National victory in 2010 on Don't Push It, wrote on Twitter: "Sad to hear about the death of Aintree legend Ginger McCain, trainer of the great Red Rum. My thoughts are with his family R.I.P." Former jockey Mick Fitzgerald, who was successful in the 1996 race on Rough Quest, told Sky Sports News: "It's a very sad to hear the news.

He leaves a legacy. Every time you think of the Grand National, you think of Ginger. He was the National, to be honest. "If you ever wanted a colourful quote you spoke to Ginger. He was never afraid to speak his mind. He believed in what he was doing and believed in the Grand National and racing needs characters like him." BBC horse racing presenter Clare Balding wrote on Twitter: "Ginger McCain was 3 days short of his 81st birthday. He was an old-fashioned type & said what he thought but he was a character all right. Very sad for Beryl, Donald & the rest of the McCain family." She added: "Whenever I approached Ginger with a microphone it raised the heart rate. He might swear, say something offensive or be pertinent & funny." Former racing commentator Sir Peter O'Sullevan spoke of McCain's brilliant handling of Red Rum, who was prone to lameness. Archive - Amberleigh House wins epic "Red Rum had very delicate, tender feet and had been with several skilful trainers before Ginger bought him," he said. "Of course, he trained on the sands at Southport. I don't think we'd ever have heard of Red Rum if he'd gone anywhere else.

"He will always be remembered for Red Rum - and rightly so because he and the horse appeared absolutely at the right time and were very much instrumental in saving the National at a period when it was very much in peril." Former Aintree managing director Charles Barnett agreed that McCain was "instrumental in helping to save" the race. "Ginger was very supportive and he got the public very much behind the appeal to purchase the track," he said "It was an extraordinary training feat and an extraordinary horse he trained. But not just the horse, Ginger himself was very important to the race and to the venue. "He was a marvellous man who always spoke his own mind. We loved him very much and the people of Liverpool did, too. It's a very sad day and he'll be sadly missed." Bookmark with: Donald "Ginger" McCain, racehorse trainer, 80 - Google Groups Donald "Ginger" McCain, racehorse trainer, 80 Showing 1-1 of 1 messages Grand National great McCain dies Ginger McCain, trainer of the legendary Grand National winner Red Rum, has died aged 80 after suffering from cancer.

McCain guided "Rummy" to three victories and two second places in a five-year period during the 1970s. He was nicknamed "Mister Aintree" for his record at the Merseyside track and won a fourth National with Amberleigh House in 2004. In 2006, McCain handed the reins to son Donald who won the Grand National with Ballabriggs this year. McCain's wife Beryl said: "Donald - Ginger as we all knew him - passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short illness this morning - he would have been 81 on Wednesday. "There will be a private family funeral followed by a later memorial service, for which there will be more information in the coming weeks. "Joanne, Donald Jnr and I appreciate all the kindness we are being shown and, at this difficult time, would appreciate it if we were afforded some privacy." Jockey Tony McCoy , who ended a long wait for a Grand National victory in 2010 on Don't Push It, wrote on Twitter: "Sad to hear about the death of Aintree legend Ginger McCain, trainer of the great Red Rum.

My thoughts are with his family R.I.P." Former jockey Mick Fitzgerald , who was successful in the 1996 race on Rough Quest, told Sky Sports News: "It's a very sad to hear the news. He leaves a legacy. Everytime you think of the Grand National, you think of Ginger. He was the National, to be honest. "If you ever wanted a colourful quote you spoke to Ginger. He was never afraid to speak his mind. He believed in what he was doing and believed in the Grand National and racing needs characters like him." BBC horse racing presenter Clare Balding: "Ginger McCain was 3 days short of his 81st birthday. He was an old-fashioned type & said what he thought but he was a character all right. Very sad for Beryl, Donald & the rest of the McCain family." She added: "Whenever I approached Ginger with a microphone it raised the heart rate. He might swear, say something offensive or be pertinent & funny." Former racing commentator Sir Peter O'Sullevan spoke of McCain's brilliant handling of Red Rum, who was prone to lameness.

"Red Rum had very delicate, tender feet and had been with several skilful trainers before Ginger bought him," he said. "Of course, he trained on the sands at Southport. I don't think we'd ever have heard of Red Rum if he'd gone anywhere else. "He will always be remembered for Red Rum - and rightly so because he and the horse appeared absolutely at the right time and were very much instrumental in saving the National at a period when it was very much in peril." Former Aintree managing director Charles Barnett agreed that McCain was "instrumental in helping to save" the race. "Ginger was very supportive and he got the public very much behind the appeal to purchase the track," he said "It was an extraordinary training feat and an extraordinary horse he trained. But not just the horse, Ginger himself was very important to the race and to the venue. "He was a marvellous man who always spoke his own mind. We loved him very much and the people of Liverpool did, too.

It's a very sad day and he'll be sadly missed." BBC RACING CORRESPONDENT CORNELIUS LYSAGHT: Ginger McCain had been an unknown taxi driver and car salesman who trained a few racehorses at Southport before Red Rum achieved his never-to-be-repeated record in the 1970s. When injury forced the horse's retirement in 1978, McCain and his wife Beryl organised dozens of public appearances before Red Rum died in 1995. Just as Rummy became a household name, so did his trainer with his infectious laugh and colourful politically-incorrect turn of phrase. A long, less successful period post Red Rum was ended by Amberleigh House, who gave McCain a quite unforgettable fourth Grand National win in 2004 -- Please visit my town - Every visitor increases the population by one. Email: davidu...@bigfoot.com (remove VEST to reply) Ginger McCain dies aged 80 | Daily Mail Online comments Legendary trainer Ginger McCain has died at the age of 80. McCain is best known for training Red Rum - winner of the Grand National in 1973, 1974 and 1977.

Real name Donald, McCain also won the National with Amberleigh House in 2004 and retired two years later. McCain's son Donald took over the stable from his father in 2006 and followed in his footsteps by training the 2011 Aintree winner Ballabriggs. Late greats: Donald McCain, who has died at the age of 80, pictured with Red Rum on Southport beach in 1990 McCain's wife Beryl said: 'Donald, Ginger as we all knew him, passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short illness this morning - he would have been 81 on Wednesday. 'There will be a private family funeral followed by a later memorial service, for which there will be more information in the coming weeks. 'Joanne, Donald Jnr and I appreciate all the kindness we are being shown and, at this difficult time, would appreciate it if we were afforded some privacy.' McCain began his training career as a permit holder in 1953 and took out a full licence in 1969 when his stables were behind his car showroom in Southport.

He worked as a taxi driver to supplement his income as a trainer prior to finding Grand National success. It was as a taxi driver that he became acquainted with Noel le Mare for whom he bought Red Rum. Former leading National Hunt jockey Mick Fitzgerald, who won the Grand National on Rough Quest in 1996, has paid tribute to McCain. 'I'm very saddened. He leaves a legacy and every time you think of the Grand National, you think of Ginger. He was the National, to be honest,' Fitzgerald told Sky Sports News. 'If you ever wanted a controversial quote, you always spoke to Ginger. He was never afraid to speak his mind, he believed in what he was doing and he believed foremost in the Grand National as a race. 'He was a great ambassador for our sport and racing needs characters like him. Not forgotten: Ginger McCain leaves flowers at Red Rum's grave in 2006. The legendary horse died in 1995 Family affair: Ginger McCain and son Donald with this year's Grand National winner Ballabriggs 'It's a very sad day for everybody and especially anybody involved with the Grand National.

'He trained the legendary Red Rum to win three Grand Nationals and he also won a Scottish National with the horse. He wasn't just a one-trick pony. 'He was a real character who always had something good to say. He was a very interesting man. 'His son, Donald, has taken over the reins quite magnificently and won the National with Ballabriggs. 'The first thing Ginger said after the race was "I trained him well" and I think that just about sums him up. 'He leaves a great family behind him and I'm sure they'll be very sad. My best wishes are with them. 'Every time I think of him I smile. The Grand National will forever be remembered as his race.' He's done it again: Ginger with Amberleigh House after winning the 2004 Grand National Reigning champion trainer Paul Nicholls added: 'Ginger will be sorely missed. He knew his horses very well, he had an affinity with Aintree and he knew what it took to win the big race. 'He was a top man with horses from the Grand National.

Legend is the right name for him.' The 'voice of racing' Sir Peter O'Sullevan commentated on all of Red Rum's Nationals for the BBC and believes McCain played a big part in helping to save the race. Crowd pleaser: Red Rum, ridden by Tommy Stack, races into history with a third Grand National win in 1977 'It was a career of remarkable achievement and he has bred a good trainer himself,' he said. 'He will always be remembered for Red Rum and rightly so because he and the horse appeared absolutely at the right time and were very much instrumental in saving the National at a period when it was very much in peril. 'Red Rum had a remarkable record. Five runs in the National, three victories and two seconds - unbelievable. And then he won it again years later with Amberleigh House. 'It was nice for Ginger to have the opportunity to show he wasn't just a one-horse trainer. 'He was a professional curmudgeon and he goes behind leaving very good memories.' Former Aintree managing director, Charles Barnett, said: 'He was instrumental in helping to save the Grand National.

'At that time in the early 1970's when Red Rum was winning his three races, Ginger was very supportive to it (Grand National) and he got the public very much behind the appeal to purchase the track. 'It was an extraordinary training feat and an extraordinary horse he trained. But not just the horse, Ginger himself was very important to the race and to the venue. What a performance: As late as 2004 McCain was training National winners, in this instance Amberleigh House, ridden by Graham Lee 'He was a marvellous man who always spoke his own mind and he was always very supportive of us at Aintree. We loved him very much and the people of Liverpool did too. '(Amberleigh House winning) was another extraordinary event. It was in the last years of his training career and Donald was very instrumental in helping him in the training process. 'It was an extraordinary feat - not many people have trained four Grand National winners. 'He was very closely connected with Aintree and the Grand National and that is what he will most be remembered for.

'It's a very sad day and he'll be sadly missed.' Ginger McCain Dies Aged 80 | Grand National Blog Ginger McCain Dies Aged 80 Posted on September 19, 2011 by admin Four-time Grand National winning trainer Ginger McCain has dies after a short illness at the age of eighty. McCain equalled the record for the most number wins by a trainer in the Grand National when Amberleigh House was successful in 2004 but his name will forever be synonymous with perhaps the most famous horse ever to win the Grand National, Red Rum. Red Rum was a three-time winner of the Grand National in 1973, 1974 and 1977 as well as finishing runner-up on the other two occasions he attempted the race. McCain and Red Rum became the emblems of the Grand National at a time the race was under threat and, perhaps, without them the great race would have slipped off the NH Calendar.

Incredibly Red Rum began his career in a 5f Selling Plate on the flat but Ginger McCain somehow managed to guide his career to the top of the National Hunt tree, winning a Scottish National in 1974 as well as his three Aintree Nationals. Ginger McCain was a forthright and, at times, outspoken character but has been roundly praised as an ‘Aintree Legend’ by the National Hunt fraternity since his death this morning. Without doubt Red Rum and Ginger McCain will always be the most famous partnership in Grand National history. This entry was posted in Uncategorized . Bookmark the permalink . 13 Responses to Ginger McCain Dies Aged 80 sling-shot01 Mr grand national himself r.i.p ginger mcCain Jackie OMG, just read this on yahoo mail. End of an era RIP Mr Ginger McCain. Very sad to loose the man himself, so glad he lived to see his son win it this year. Best Grand National trainer there ever was. Red Rum was my first memory of the race and my first winner. A great great GN horse. He also gave us the best training clue ever for the race in getting a faster finish out of old Amberleigh House. Could they have done as well without Ginger, somehow I doubt it.

He was such a character and having seen him once a year, every year on the telly since I was born! it feels like loosing an eccentric distant uncle that always makes you smile. I liked him and so did his horses Ginger you were smashin! Thought I copy and paste this from racing post about Ginger. Aintree legend Ginger McCain dies aged 80 By Graham Green 8:23AM 19 SEP 2011 BRITISH racing has lost one of its biggest names with the death on Monday morning of training legend Ginger McCain at the age of 80. McCain died at around 2.45am at his home in Cholmondeley in Cheshire, following a short-illness. His family was at his bedside. McCain saddled Red Rum to win the Grand National three times, in 1973, 1974 and 1977, before winning the world’s greatest steeplechase for a fourth time with Amberleigh House in 2004.

He retired from training after saddling three runners in the 2006 Grand National, handing over toson Donald, who was successful with Ballabriggs in this year’s race. The sad news comes just two days before McCain’s 81st birthday on Wednesday. As well as Donald jnr, McCain is survived by wife Beryl and daughter Joanne. His son Donald said on Monday: “My dad passed away this morning and the family was with him. “I would like to think he is a legend, and although it has just happened, I have been ringing round a few people and everyone has been fantastic, they only have good things to say about him. Donald McCain: “He certainly had a very enjoyable and exciting life” PICTURE: Martin Lynch “My mother Beryl and sister Joanne are okay although we are all a little raw at the moment. It wasn’t unexpected. He hasn’t been well for a week or so and while that hasn’t made it easier to deal with, we were sort of prepared. “He has been a massive help to me and we couldn’t do what we are doing now without him.

He’s never questioned any improvements we wanted to make, we’ve got on and done it, and he’s thoroughly enjoyed the way things are going. As a family we have only wanted to be around nice horses, and I like to think he’s been absolutely over the moon with the way things have been going. “If I can do half as much with my life as he fitted into his I won’t have done too bad. He certainly had a very full life, a very enjoyable life and a very exciting one. “The whole business has been built up by my dad, and I wouldn’t be where I am without him so it would be great if I could keep the place going.” McCain said there would be a small family funeral followed at a later date by a memorial service. He added: “I learned so much from my dad about Grand National horses and training, but the biggest thing he taught me was that if you are good, straight and honest you’ll never come to too much harm.” A statement from Beryl McCain on Monday read: “Donald, Ginger as we all knew him, passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short illness this morning – he would have been 81 on Wednesday.

“There will be a private family funeral followed by a later memorial service, for which there will be more information in the coming weeks. “Joanne, Donald jnr and I appreciate all the kindness we are being shown and, at this difficult time, would appreciate it if we were afforded some privacy.” Aldaniti&Spartan Missile Here are some tributes to Ginger from Peter O’Sullevan and Claire Balding, also copy and paste from racing post. O’Sullevan and Balding lead tributes to McCain By Graham Green 10:51AM 19 SEP 2011 SIR PETER O’SULLEVAN and Clare Balding led the outpouring of tributes and sympathy over the death of Ginger McCain, as many of those prominent in the racing industry paid their respects to the Aintree legend. Speaking on Monday morning, O’Sullevan said: “Ginger’s handling of RedRum was what he was principally known for and he was quite brilliant at it, I think aided to a great extent by nature.

“I don’t think we’d have heard of Red Rum as the star he was at Aintree if he hadn’t gone to Ginger because it was a combination of sands and salt water [at Southport] that was the making of him. “Red Rum’s record for Ginger of running in five Nationals, winning three and finishing second in the other two is simply unbelievable. It is the stuff of fiction really.” Clare Balding described McCain as “the best showman racing has ever had,” and said: “I always loved interviewing Ginger because you knew it was going to be good telly. “He’ll leave a massive hole. There isn’t anybody training quite like him, who could maintain that profile long after they have retired, and he really loved Aintree, that was genuine affection.” Ginger Mccain: died two days before his 81st birthday Rupert Arnold, chief executive of the National Trainers Federation paid tribute to McCain. In a statement released by the NTF, he said: “Ginger McCain was a one-off; a tremendous, larger-than-life character whose unique Grand National exploits brought him to the attention of millions.

“We owe him all those inerasable memories of Red Rum, not only in victory at Aintree but on the sands at Southport, images that somehow added to the mystique of horse and man. “He will be missed and we extend our sympathy to Beryl, Donald jnr and Joanne.” Many of the racing fraternity took to Twitter to pay their respects to the four-time Grand National-winning trainer. Tony McCoy tweeted: “Sad to hear about the death of Aintree legend Ginger McCain, trainer of thegreat Red Rum, my thoughts are with his family, RIP.” Other jockeys to offer their condolences included Davy Russell, who said: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Ginger McCain, thoughts are with his family.”Barry Geraghty commented: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Ginger McCain, he was a proper racing legend.” Several trainers and ex-jockeys also paid tribute. Brendan Powell tweeted: “Sad to hear of GingerMcCain’s passing. Tough but fair man to ride for. Thoughts are with his family. RIP.” Jamie Osborne said: “Thoughts are with the McCains this morning. Terribly sad news.

Ginger was a terrific man and a great character. An asset to our sport. RIP.” Six-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls also tweeted, saying: “Sad to hear of the death of Ginger McCain. What a legend. Condolences to Donald and all his family.” Larger than life. Hard to believe he’s gone. A household name, like his horse. Aldaniti&Spartan Missile September 19, 2011 at 7:21 pm Here is my own personal thoughts on Ginger. Ginger trained the legendary Red Rum in the seventies, the first ever bet that I’d had in 1977. Being too young to bet really my dad placed my bet on (50p each way single on one horse, RED RUM). While my dad had 2 horses one of which was ANDY PANDY who led to Becher’s second time where after Rummy made all the running. Ginger trained at the time at Southport, a local seaside resort roughly 50 miles from and where the are still strong connections.

It was only later that I’d discovered that Rummy had won 2 previous nationals and was only beaten by 1 horse each in 2 others (L’Escargot and Rag Trade) plus winning the Scottish National in the same year as his middle winning Grand National. Ginger was tempted by running Rummy in the Whitbread that year too (Sandown Gold Cup in their mixed meeting). He claimed that his wife stopped him, and that was in my eyes his problem he was too keen. To me Aintree was all about Ginger and he always seemed keen on his runners, I remember when Amberleigh House won, I was discussing the national with a workmate who like to bet on the horses and he said that Ginger said that Amberleigh House had a winning chance. Well I’d already worked out the race through stats and agreed with him, but adding that he always says that. I never met Ginger, but I did get to see Rummy when going in 1989 and although I never picked a winner, still enjoyed myself.

Ginger through Amberleigh House give me my best finish in National ever, when catching Clan Royal on the line in a typical late finish that is so very famous for Aintree, proving that jumping 30 fences is still not enough, that the race can still be won or lost on the elbow (not every year though). Ballabriggs is the current winner of the national trained by his son, who has also won a Cheltenham Festival race, I believe, so Ginger would be very proud. However will Ginger be urging on Ballabriggs for a second win, who knows kj September 19, 2011 at 8:10 pm Did I read Ginger bred Ballabriggs too!? To sign off with your son winning Your race, with a horse you bred, takes the biscuit and the tin. A life fulfilled. Been off watching Ginger Nationals… anyone got a link,…1974 is missing!?? 1977, which was my first bet and proper memory too Neil, still stands as impossible to top. I too had no idea how great Rummys achievments were at the time, thought the cheers would be as loud and he would be running well every year forever,..

obviously. Unbelievable wasn’t he! Remember my Dad saying he’s too old and thinking but he’s only 12 and he loves it Amberleigh Houses victory was pretty goddam sweet too, coming from that far back even with two to jump and all the cart horse comments he got for a few yrs prior to that…. Clare! His win proved that Ginger training the winner wasn’t just the luck of spotting a wonder horse! And can I just say Neil aka A&SM, for Gods sake,… we only share a birthday too! Starting school on your birthday or the day after was a bit unfair wasn’t it,….terrible weather we had this yr, wot wot! Aldaniti&Spartan Missile September 20, 2011 at 9:38 am Yes, sad news about Ginger passing away. In this sterile age of political correctness where everyone seems to sit on the fence, he was refreshing in that he spoke his mind and didn’t give a toss about what others thought. As National fans we owe a lot to the expolits of Ginger and Red Rum.

There was a period during the late 60s and early 70s where it looked like each renewal of the National was going to be the last as the Tophams wanted to sell the course to property developers. Red Rum’s victories in ’73 and ’74, galant defeats in ’75 and ’76 and then famous 3rd triumph in ’77 captured the imagination of the public, raised the profile of the race and ensured it’s survival. It is possible that without Red Rum and Ginger there might not be a Grand National today, not as we know it anyway. Fitting this year that Donald McCain Jnr won the big race on what turned out to be Ginger’s last National. It’s pretty clear that his son is an even better trainer than Ginger ever was and the stable is in very good hands going forward. Aldaniti&Spartan Missile Ginger’s record at the Grand National. Full name: Donald McCain Stables: Birkdale Southport 1952-1990 then at Bankhouse, Cholmondeley, Malpas Cheshire from 1990.

Status: Permit-holder 1952-1969, Public Trainer from 1969, retired since 2006. First winner: San Lorenzo, selling chase, Liverpool 2/1/1965. Major wins apart from the grand national. Glenkiln (1972 Grand National Trial). Red Rum (1974 Scottish Grand National). Red Rum (1975 Haydock Park National Trial). Kumbi (1984 Forbra Gold Challenge Cup). Honeygrove Banker (1986 Captain Quist Hurdle). Sure Metal (1990 Sandeman Chase). Hotplate (1991 Tim Molony Memorial). Hey Cottage (1992 Golden Eagle Novice Chase). Amberliegh House (2001 Bechers Chase). Ebony Light (2006 Peter Marsh Chase). Grand National Record in full (33 years) 1973 Red Rum (won); Glenkiln (fell at Chair). 1974 Red Rum (won).

Racing: Ginger's revival brings the house down | The Independent More Sports Racing: Ginger's revival brings the house down Grand National: The trainer for all seasons reigns again - and he thought it would never happen in a million years Saturday 3 April 2004 23:00 BST Click to follow The Independent Online Justly, the clock turned back three decades here yesterday to a golden age. Amberleigh House won the 157th Grand National and in doing so gave his trainer, Ginger McCain, forever associated with Red Rum, his fourth victory in the race. And it was that now legendary triple hero who virtually singlehandedly revived the fortunes and standing of a now-thriving sporting institution that was then ailing and failing. Rummy is buried near the winning post and his shade would undoubtedly approve of his old guv'nor's latest moment in the sun. Justly, the clock turned back three decades here yesterday to a golden age. Amberleigh House won the 157th Grand National and in doing so gave his trainer, Ginger McCain, forever associated with Red Rum, his fourth victory in the race.

And it was that now legendary triple hero who virtually singlehandedly revived the fortunes and standing of a now-thriving sporting institution that was then ailing and failing. Rummy is buried near the winning post and his shade would undoubtedly approve of his old guv'nor's latest moment in the sun. McCain, 73, his eponymous hair now white, was understandably overcome as he welcomed Amberleigh House, a 16-1 shot, and rider Graham Lee back to the winner's circle where he had stood almost as a matter of course in times past. "The horse's owner told me I was getting a doddering old bastard, and it was time I won another National," he said, "but I never, ever thought this would happen again, not in a million years, never mind 27. I thought I was getting too old for the game." The owner, locally-based businessman John Halewood, was choking, too. "He's a lion, a lion," he repeated, rather like Paul Scofield in A Man For All Seasons. It was not entirely clear whether he was referring to horse or trainer. True to the National's heritage, the victory was steeped in drama.

Amberleigh House, who finished third last year, appeared again destined for a minor role as he came to the last of the 30 obstacles in fourth place, 10 lengths adrift of Hedgehunter, Lord Atterbury and Clan Royal. But Hedgehunter, who had blazed such a thrilling trail, crashed to the ground and then, extraordinarily, Clan Royal headed straight for the Chair fence, instead of right-handed towards the Elbow and the funnel to the £348,000 first prize. Just in time Liam Cooper, who had lost his whip when his mount, one of three 10-1 co-favourites, blundered five out and was riding a head-down, arms-pumping finish, realised his error and hauled the leader back on course, but lost lengths, and more importantly momentum, in the process. He regained the initiative from Lord Atterbury (40-1) but had no answer as Amberleigh House came past with a wet sail to score by three lengths. The result was a triumph for experience over these unique fences. In addition to his National third Amberleigh House, a 12-year-old, had won a Becher Chase and run second in two others.

In the latest of those, last November, he had been short-headed by the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Clan Royal, who had previously won the Topham Trophy. Fourth home was last year's winner, Monty's Pass, and the three who followed him in, Spot Thedifference, Smarty and Ardent Scout, had all jumped round here before. Amberleigh House's passage this time was not without its moments. Lee rode him from off the pace this year - he seemed to run out of steam 12 months ago after a more prominent showing - but the tactic proved fraught with risk. At the fourth obstacle the old horse had to show nimbleness of which Red Rum would have been proud with a sidestep round a fallen rival and then ran into traffic at Becher's. "To win is a dream," Lee, a 28-year-old Irishman, said, "but it was a nightmare down the first line [of fences]. I had to jump Becher's from a standstill and I promise you eight out of 10 horses couldn't have done what he did. But I just sat and punted gently away until he got his confidence back.

I didn't want to get after him because he's got only one run." Up front Hedgehunter had taken the race by the scruff from the off and led his 38 rivals a fine dance for almost two circuits. When he took his tired, hard fall, McCain's uncharitable post-race comment that he had been willing the three leaders to go down looked as if it might haunt him as the Irish raider lay inert on the ground at the last. But the horse, whose boldness had made such a contribution to the spectacle, was only winded and got up to a huge cheer. "I know it was not very sporting of me," said McCain. "But I thought three out that Graham had given ours too much to do. But he's a great little horse round here, foot-perfect, a professional. He's positive, he's exact and he's the best thing that has happened to me for a long, long time." Amberleigh House, along with well-fancied Joss Naylor, was pick of the paddock on a dull day that put a premium on inner glow. But the Irish-bred gelding's looks had not always been so prepossessing.

"I'd seen him win at Punchestown," said McCain, "but when he arrived with us I went out in my dressing gown and saw this little timid, miserable horse shivering in a corner. I couldn't believe it was the one we'd paid £75,000 for." McCain has been based for the past 13 years at Malpas in Cheshire, where son Donald is his assistant. "I shall be eternally grateful to John [Halewood]. But the credit really goes to Donald. He has lived this horse and rides him in all his work. He has the patience I haven't got any more." Eleven finished, no horse was hurt and the others who deserve mention in dispatches for getting round are Bear On Board, Kingsmark, The Bunny Boiler and Davids Lad. They did not include the other co-favourites: Tony McCoy's mount, Jurancon, came down at the fourth, the 2002 winner Bindaree and Carl Llewellyn were brought down at the first Becher's, and Joss Naylor was pulled up at the 19th.

'You can take me round the corner and shoot me now' It's just a fairytale, a dream - he was just so tough. I didn't have a very good passage over the first six fences with loose horses. He had to jump Becher's from a standstill first time round and he got a bit of a fright, but I just hunted away on him. He was so brave and all I had to do was steer. Graham Lee, jockey of Amberleigh House I have tried ever since the old horse [Red Rum] went to try and get a good little horse to come here. I've got one, and he's done it. You can take me round the corner and shoot me now. Donald 'Ginger' McCain, 73, trainer of Red Rum and Amberleigh House He ran his heart out. He beat the horses around him and suddenly one comes from the pack, but that's what it's about. Grand Nationals change from the last fence to the line. J P McManus, owner of Clan Royal He gave me a fantastic ride. I'm delighted for Amberleigh House and Graham Lee, to be honest, we beat them in the Becher Chase.

I'm sick as a pig, but also delighted to have done so well. I lost my whip but it didn't make a difference. In fact I think it helped. Liam Cooper, jockey of Clan Royal It was fantastic to get a finisher. He has left his Cheltenham form behind and Mark [Bradburne] gave him a fantastic ride. He's still a young horse and there's a lot to look forward to. David Johnson, owner of Lord Atterbury He ran a blinder with a big weight. It was unbelievable. He jumped marvellous. I couldn't be more happy. The rain just came at the wrong time for him. I'll be back next year for sure and he'll be trained especially for the race - he loves it around here. Jimmy Mangan, trainer of Monty's Pass It was a combination of the weight and the ground that beat him. He is a much better horse on fast ground, but you can't have that every year. Barry Geraghty, jockey of Monty's Pass He was probably just going too well and had to do too much in front. He didn't deserve to fall. I am disappointed, but more so for the horse.

He just tired and gave me everything all the way. Let's hope he'll be back. David Casey, jockey of Hedgehunter More about: BBC SPORT | Other Sport | Horse Racing | Aintree enjoys Ginger tonic Aintree enjoys Ginger tonic By Frank Keogh BBC Sport at Aintree Ginger McCain produced a great sporting story as he saddled Amberleigh House to Grand National glory 27 years after the trainer's last triumph with the legendary Red Rum. McCain claimed three wins with record-breaking 'Rummy' in the 1970s, and this fourth triumph justified his long-held hope that another victory was possible. For a man so associated with the course, and who has earned the nickname 'Mr Aintree', it was an amazing achievement at the age of 73. GINGER McCAIN FACTFILE Name: Christened Donald, but nicknamed Ginger Started training: 1952 Base: Started out with small stable behind used-car showroom in Southport. Now has stables in Cholmondley, Cheshire Total Grand National runners: 20 National wins: Four National places: Runner-up twice, third once.

Yet he had been typically bullish beforehand about the chances of the 12-year-old horse, who finished third in the contest last year. "Amberleigh House is the one they all have to beat," he told BBC Sport. "He really should be a short-priced favourite." Afterwards, he admitted to really thinking his chance of winning again had gone when Amberleigh House finished third in 2003. McCain, a ruddy-faced plain speaker who would not win any awards for political correctness, said: "This is a lovely, lovely day. You can take me round the corner and shoot me now - I don't give a bugger." He now stands alongside the great Fred Rimell as the only trainer to have won the National four times, and is refusing to rule out trying for a fifth. "I said if I could win another National I might retire and hand over to my son Donald, but he can wait," said McCain. "After all, Fred Rimell won four so we'll come back next year and make it five." Red Rum won the National in 1973, 1974 and 1977, and was also twice runner-up.

You could almost feel the old horse, who died aged 30 in 1995 and is buried by the winning post at Aintree, pulling Amberleigh House over the line in an epic finish to the 2004 race. Clan Royal, whose jockey Liam Cooper had lost his whip, was passed on a dramatic run-in where he veered off course. In typically ebullient fashion, McCain told how his winning horse was bought by owner John Halewood for 90,000 punts (about ï¿½75,000) in Ireland. "I went over to see the horse and the woman who was selling him had the greatest legs I'd ever seen. I'm a great legs man and I couldn't resist," he said. The drinks will be on Liverpool-born Halewood, the millionaire boss of a wine and spirits business, who was introduced to McCain when he was based in nearby Southport during the Red Rum days. "I told everyone he would win, and there will be no shortage of celebrations," said Halewood. "It's the best day of my life. That jockey Graham Lee gave Amberleigh House a brilliant ride.

How they finished "I'm a local lad and after I saw Red Rum win, I vowed I'd come back one day and win the race." McCain was furious when Amberleigh House was balloted out of the 2002 race because he did not have a high enough rating. But the trainer persisted, knowing certain horses simply had a liking for Aintree's 30 unique obstacles - Liverpool horses, as he likes to call them. "It's stone-cold magic," he said, nursing a glass of champagne and a wide grin after his latest victory. "You can have your Gold Cup days at Ascot with all those formal up-nosed people, and you can have your Cheltenham with all your county types and the tweeds and whatever, this is a people's place and a people's race. "I've seen it all my life. Some horses come here and run out of their skins. It's a great course, unique, There's no fences in the world like these." Amberleigh House pretty much brought the house down on a day when the bookmakers claimed record turnover of more than ï¿½200m.

Legendary gambler and racehorse owner JP McManus, whose horse Clan Royal was a gallant second, was among the first to offer congratulations to McCain with a hearty "Well done". And former Liverpool footballer Emlyn Hughes, who is recovering from brain cancer, called out to him: "I'm made up for you." Judging by the cheers which echoed around the winner's enclosure, he was not the only one. Red Rum | Felicity Smoak | Photos, Video, Information About Shah Rukh Khan Photos, Video, Information About Shah Rukh Khan VID EO Red Rum: The horse that saved the National Alastair Down looks back at the greatest ever Grand National horse, referencing his hat-trick of wins in the 1970s that propelled the race to the front of ... Video Embedding FROM PIC 1 Puerto Rican Rum Bacardi Price Displayed To You FROM WWW.TESCO.COM For other uses, see Redrum (disambiguation) .

Red Rum Red Rum at Castle Park, Bristol in 1980 Sire Life-size statue at Aintree Racecourse Smaller bronze statue inside Wayfarers Arcade, Southport Red Rum Handicap Chase at Aintree Last updated on February 15, 2009 Red Rum (bay gelding; 3 May 1965 – 18 October 1995) was a champion Thoroughbred steeplechaser . He achieved an unmatched historic treble when he won the Grand National in 1973 , 1974 and 1977 , and also came second in the two intervening years (1975 & 1976). The Grand National is a notoriously difficult race that has been described as "the ultimate test of a horse’s courage". [2] He was also renowned for his jumping ability, having not fallen in 100 races. [3] Red Rum's 1973 comeback victory from 30 lengths behind is often considered one of the greatest Grand Nationals in history.

[4] [5] In a 2002 UK poll, Red Rum's historic third triumph in the Grand National was voted the 24th greatest sporting moment of all time. [6] Contents Early life Red Rum was bred at Rossenarra stud in Kells , County Kilkenny , Ireland , by Martyn McEnery. His sire was Quorum (1954-1971), and his dam Mared (1958-1976). Mared was a grand-daughter of the broodmare Batika, whose other descendants have included the Irish 2000 Guineas winner Turtle Island . [7] McEnery gave Red Rum his name by taking the last three letters of the names of his dam and sire respectively. [8] Bred to win one-mile races, he won his National titles over the longest distance, four miles and four furlongs. Red Rum started his career running in cheap races as a sprinter and dead-heated in his first race, a five-furlong flat race at Aintree Racecourse .

[9] He ran another seven times as a two-year-old winning over 7f at Warwick , and won over 7f at Doncaster in the first of his two races as a three-year-old. In his early career, he was twice ridden by Lester Piggott . [10] The comedian Lee Mack , then a stable boy, had his first riding lesson on Red Rum. [11] After being passed from training yard to training yard, he found his footing when Southport car dealer Ginger McCain bought him for his client Noel le Mare and famously trained the horse on the sands at Southport , England. [12] Galloping through sea water may have proved highly beneficial to Red Rum’s hooves. [13] McCain reportedly took Red Rum for a therapeutic swim in the sea off Southport before his first National appearances to help treat the horse's pedal osteitis , a debilitating incurable bone disease in his hoof . McCain also won the Grand National in 2004 with Amberleigh House , 31 years after his first victory with Red Rum. [14] Grand National record The crowd are willing him home now.

The 12-year-old Red Rum, being preceded only by loose horses, being chased by Churchtown Boy... They're coming to the elbow, just a furlong now between Red Rum and his third Grand National triumph! It's hats off and a tremendous reception, you've never heard one like it at Liverpool - Red Rum wins the National! “ ” Commentator Peter O'Sullevan describes the moment Red Rum sealed his third Grand National title [15] At the 1973 Grand National , Red Rum beat the Australian chaser Crisp , which was carrying 23 pounds more, in a new record time of nine minutes, 1.9 seconds. [16] Crisp led the field virtually all the way in that year's National in which he was 30 lengths clear, and at the last fence was 15 lengths clear of Red Rum, his nearest pursuer. Red Rum and jockey Brian Fletcher , however, made up the ground on the final stretch and, two strides from the finishing post, pipped the tiring Crisp to win by three-quarters of a length in what is often considered one of the greatest Grand Nationals in history.

[4] [5] Crisp's jockey Richard Pitman later stated: "I still dream about that race, of Crisp running so strongly and jumping so fearlessly, and then the sound of Red Rum's hooves as he got closer and closer at the end." [17] He added: "I felt as though I was tied to a railway line with an express train thundering up and being unable to jump out of the way." [18] A year later, Red Rum retained his title at the 1974 National, carrying 12 stone. [19] (He followed that with victory in the Scottish Grand National, and remains the only horse to win both in the same season.) Red Rum came second in 1975 and 1976; Tommy Stack replaced Fletcher as jockey in the last race after Fletcher angered trainer Ginger McCain by telling the press the horse no longer felt right after a defeat in a race away from Aintree. Again, Red Rum saved his best for Aintree but was held off by Rag Trade.

The following year, Stack rode the 12-year-old Red Rum to his record third Grand National triumph, in what is regarded as one of the greatest moments in horse racing history. [14] [16] Retirement Red Rum was prepared for a sixth attempt at the Grand National the season following his 1977 win, but suffered a hairline fracture the day before the 1978 race and was subsequently retired. [16] However, he had become a national celebrity, opening supermarkets and annually leading the Grand National parade for many further years. His likeness graced playing cards, mugs, posters, models, paintings, plates and jigsaw puzzles. Several books have been written about Red Rum by his trainer, sculptor, jockeys and author Ivor Herbert; a children's story about his life was also written by Christine Pemberton. The horse helped open the Steeplechase rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in 1977. He also switched on the Blackpool Illuminations in that year.

[20] In 1975, a song entitled "Red Rum" was issued as a tribute to him by a group named Chaser, on Polydor 2058 564. It was written by Steve Jolley, Richard Palmer and Tony Swain. In 2010 the name of the racecourse bar, formerly called "The Sefton", was changed to "The Red Rum". In 1977 Red Rum appeared as a studio guest at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards ceremony. Viewers were delighted when the horse seemed to recognise the voice of his jockey Tommy Stack, who was appearing by video link from another location. [21] Death and legacy Grand National Trainer Trends | The Trainers To Follow Return to Content Grand National Trainer Trends: Evan help us Years ago there were definitely trainers to follow in the Grand National. Fred Rimell, the five-time champion trainer had an enviable record. He won it with ESB in 1956, Nicolaus Silver in 1961, Gay Trip in 1970 and finally with Rag Trade in 1976.

The legendary Vincent O’Brien, another champion trainer, won it with three different horses in consecutive years in the 1950s before switching codes to focus on the flat. Ginger McCain’s three wins and two second places with Red Rum in the 1970s and his subsequent victory with Amberleigh House in 2004 are well documented. He was definitely not champion trainer material but he handled the fragile Red Rum superbly and later proved that he was not a one-horse-wonder. Today, winning the Grand National more than once is an exceptional achievement that has eluded the majority of top national hunt trainers. Has anyone currently training won twice? The duffle-coated Nigel Twiston-Davies has the rare distinction of winning the National with two different horses. He first won in 1998 with his only runner, Earth Summit. He started as the 7/1 favourite in the Grand National betting and duly outstayed Charlie Brooks’ Suny Bay to win by 11 lengths. He sent out Earth Summit again in 1999 but he could only finish eighth. He was understandably less fancied with significantly more weight.

He also saddled a 200/1 no hoper, the 13-year-old Camelot Knight who never looked liked getting involved when he was brought down. Camelot Knight was his only runner in 2000. At 14 years old he was unsurprisingly always in the rear but completed, finishing fifteenth, about a furlong behind the winner, Ted Walsh’s Papillon. Beau was among the favourites the following year and looked promising before unseating Carl Llewellyn with his second serious blunder at the 20th. In 2002 the wheels were falling off Twiston-Davies’ training operation and he was considering selling up when Bindaree (20/1) gave him his second National winner. He also saddled the more fancied Beau who once again unseated Llewellyn and Frantic Tan, a 50/1 shot who did the same to his jockey at the fifth. Twiston-Davies may well win the National again but his recent record has been dire. In 2008 he sent out four. None of them finished. In 2010 he saddled five.

Only Hello Bud (20/1) completed. He finished fifth under his son, Sam. He always aims high with his horses and, particularly in the Grand National, hope rather than realistic expectation has become the norm. His horses definitely have to be looked at carefully on their individual merits rather than followed as inmates of Grange Hill Farm. Winning the Grand National twice sounds impressive until you consider how long he has been a trainer and count up how many of his horses have tried. Who are the trainers to watch? Donald McCain has continued in the footsteps of his dad Ginger. Under Donald’s tenure the stable continued its fine winning form when Ballabriggs won in 2011. It may have been number one for McCain junior, but it was number five for the yard whose traditions he continues. Jonjo O’Neill has come frustratingly close to joining the two winner club. He sent out JP McManus’ Don’t Push It, the 10/1 joint favourite, to win in 2010 giving the champion jockey AP McCoy his long awaited first National winner. The partnership also came third at 9/1 the following year.

In 2012 O’Neill saddled the 16/1 shot, Sunnyhillboy for JP McManus, who came second to Paul Nicholls’ Neptune Collonges by the shortest of margins. Missing out by a few inches after such a marathon trip has to be considered extremely unlucky. He also sent out the McManus owned and bred Gold Cup winner, Synchronised, who was fatally injured after he fell and a 100/1 outsider, Arbor Supreme who unseated early on. Back in 2004 O’Neill sent out two 10/1 co-favourites, Clan Royal and Joss Naylor. Joss Naylor pulled up but Clan Royal came second by three lengths to McCain’s Amberleigh House. O’Neill saddled four in 2005 and once again picked up place money. His 66/1 outsider, Simply Gifted, finished third. Clan Royal was fancied at 9/1 and was in the lead with AP McCoy coping admirably with a saddle slipping perilously towards his hindquarters when they were carried out by a loose horse at Bechers second time. His other runners were both outsiders.

Native Emperor unseated Dominic Elsworth and Shamawan was last of the 21 finishers. In 2006 both his horses completed. Clan Royal started as the 5/1 joint favourite and came third, seven lengths behind Martin Brassil’s Numbersixvalverde. His 66/1 shot, Risk Accessor, finished a distant fifth under Noel Fehily. Over the ten years ending with the 2013 National O’Neill has a very respectable record. Almost 25% of his runners have finished in the first four. Some of his horses were long enough priced to be reasonably profitable each-way prospects too. Twiston-Davies’ 25 runners in the same time period all failed to make the frame. Only five of them completed. The top irish jumps trainer Willie Mullins has also done well at Aintree. He sent out Hedgehunter to win easily, without the application of the persuader, by 14 lengths in 2005 and to finish second in 2006. Ridden by Ruby Walsh, he started as the favourite on both runs (7/1 and 5/1).

Mullins also saddled the third placed Snowy Morning (16/1) in 2008. Hedgehunter could only finish thirteenth under top weight. 13% of Mullins’ horses have finished in the first four in the past decade. The problem for punters is that his horses rarely provide any value in the Grand National betting, especially when they are ridden by the Aintree master-jockey, Ruby Walsh. Fortunately the same principle does not apply when Evan Williams (pictured above) legs up Paul Moloney. Williams has never won the National but he has done far better than most. He first saddled the Rucker family’s State Of Play (14/1) as a nine year old in 2009 to finish fourth. The partnership came third and fourth in the following years at 16/1 and 28/1 respectively. In 2012 Moloney rode the Rucker’s ten-year-old Cappa Bleu for Williams. He finished fourth at 16/1. State Of Play unseated Noel Fehily at the fifth fence and Williams’ least fancied runner, Deep Purple (25/1), was pulled up by Jamie Moore.

Cappa Bleu was his only runner in 2013. He finished second at 12/1, nine lengths behind Sue Smith’s Auroras Encore. Unlike many trainers, especially those with duffle coats, Williams has so far avoided sending no hopers into this race. He has provided a return for each-way punters with an impressive 70% of his runners. So if you don’t mind betting each-way, Evan Williams looks to be the trainer to follow in the Grand National.

Question: Ginger McCain won the Grand National three limes as a trainer with Red Rum, which horse gave him his fourth victory in 2004?
Answer: Amberleigh House