19.09.11 - THE GRAND NATIONAL, RACING AT AINTREE

Grand National Legend Ginger McCain dies, aged 80

Four times Grand National winning trainer and Grand National legend, Donald McCain died today aged 80.

Known affectionately by those who knew him, 'Ginger' passed away at around 2.45am on Monday 19th September at his home in Cholmondeley in Cheshire, following a short-illness. His family were 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 saw him join Fred Rimell in the record books as only the second trainer to have won the race four times .  He retired from training after saddling three runners in the 2006 Grand National, handing over to son Donald, who was successful with Ballabriggs in this year's race.

Commenting on the sad passing of National hero, Chairman of Aintree Racecourse, Lord Daresbury, said: "The Aintree team are deeply saddened at the news of Ginger’s death and our thoughts are very much with the McCain family at this difficult time. Ginger was a local man and a true National Legend. His four Grand National victories, three with Red Rum and his more recent win with Amberleigh House in 2004 was an unbelievable achievement and brought the Grand National even closer to the Nation’s heart. Ginger was a terrific supporter of the racecourse; we will badly miss him at Aintree on raceday.

We will be speaking to the family in the coming weeks to agree how we best remember his great achievements."

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.  Aintree's thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time.