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News
17.01.12 - THE GRAND NATIONAL
Commission underway to commemorate McCain achievements
A bronze portrait bust has been commissioned by Aintree Racecourse of the four-time Grand National winning trainer, Donald ‘Ginger’ McCain, who passed away at the age of 80 in September last year.
McCain’s achievements and long association with the racecourse that helped make Red Rum and McCain a household name, will be commemorated by a one-and-a-half time’s life-size bust which will have its permanent home at the Liverpool racecourse. The bust will be produced by British sculptor, Nigel Boonham and plans are underway to site the commission on the mound overlooking the Parade Ring.
Boonham’s previous works include distinguished bronze portraits of Lord Runcie (Archbishop of Canterbury), Archbishop Daniel Mannix (Archbishop of Melbourne), Peter Jonas and Joseph Needham. His best-known portrait, of Diana, Princess of Wales, was unveiled by the Princess herself at the National Hospital of Neurology, in London in 1991. The Ginger McCain portrait will be Boonham’s first of a horse racing personality. His works of other sporting personalities include Wimbledon Champion, John McEnroe and Lord Sebastian Coe. Commenting on the news, Donald McCain, speaking on behalf of the McCain family said: ‘When Aintree discussed the idea with us, we were thrilled that they had chosen to commemorate Dad’s achievements with a bronze portrait bust. It is fitting that the bust will be sited at Aintree, a place he held dear to his heart. We now look forward to seeing Nigel’s work in progress and I am sure we will feel great pride in unveiling the bust for all to see at the Grand National meeting in April.’ Julian Thick, Aintree Racecourse’s Managing Director, commented: ‘Ginger’s larger-than-life personality and Red Rum’s domination of the National in the seventies, with three wins and two second places, re-ignited the Nation’s love of the Grand National and it is for that reason we decided a fitting tribute to his achievements should be marked with a bronze portrait bust. We look forward to the bust becoming a permanent fixture for visitors to enjoy for many years to come.’ Speaking on accepting the commission, artist Nigel Boonham said: 'When I was asked to make a portrait bust of Ginger McCain, I was immediately struck by what a marvellous, expressive, sculptural face Ginger had, which is always an exciting start. But more than that it was a chance to celebrate permanently in bronze, the familiar face of a legendary figure of Aintree, one who has touched a multitude of people who love horse racing, Aintree and of course Red Rum in particular.' The plan is now for the bust to be unveiled by the family at the 2012 John Smith’s Grand National meeting, which starts with Liverpool Day on Thursday, April 14.
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