Ginger McCain

Ginger McCain was a relic of a golden age. As the trainer of Red Rum, his place in racing legend was assured when he guided this brilliant but fragile horse to run in five consecutive Grand Nationals in the 1970s.

Ginger McCain was a relic of a golden age. As the trainer of Red Rum, his place in racing legend was assured when he guided this brilliant but fragile horse to run in five consecutive Grand Nationals in the 1970s. That, in itself, was a feat many greater trainers would not have achieved. That Red Rum won three of those Nationals and was second in the other two is a miracle.

After he retired, Red Rum earned more than he ever could in prize money by making personal appearances - he opened supermarkets, turned on Christmas lights, appeared on television and at weddings. No other trainer could have masterminded his career as successfully as the former taxi driver and second-hand car salesman, McCain.

The only other horse to have come close to 'Rummy's' consistency in the race was Amberleigh House, also trained by Ginger to win the Grand National 30 odd years after Red Rum. That fourth victory made Ginger McCain only the second trainer to win the Grand National four times.

He was known as 'Mr. Aintree' and maintained his passion for the race and the place until his passing. Earlier this year, he saw his son Donald, who succeeded him as a trainer, win the National with Ballabriggs. Ginger was noticeably emotional and for once, gave Donald the credit he deserved.

McCain was often deliberately controversial but he was a salesman, a showman, a great entertainer and a superb promoter of the Grand National.

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