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Horse racing legend Ginger McCain passes away

Horse racing legend Ginger McCain passes away

HORSE racing legend Ginger McCain, who trained Red Rum to three Grand National victories, has passed away just days before his 81st. birthday.

Mr. McCain will be forever remembered for his involvement with Red Rum and the hold the horse had over one of the greatest races in the world.

During a five-year period in the 1970s Red Rum not only notched-up his three victories but also recorded two second placed finishes.

Mr. McCain had only been granted a full licence to train in 1969 and until his breakthrough at the National he had supplemented his income by working part-time as a taxi driver.

It was as a taxi driver that he apparently first met Noel Le Mare who owned Red Rum. Mr. McCain bought the horse, which had a reputation of being prone to lameness, and began preparing him for National. 

The first of the three victories came in 1973, with Red Rum repeating the feat the following year. The two second placed finishes were to follow in 1975 and 1976 before the treble was completed in 1977.

However, his hold over Aintree was not to end there. Mr. McCain was to win the race once more, with Amberleigh House in 2004.

He had also enjoyed other National Hunt success including a win at the Scottish Grand National.

Mr. McCain retired in 2006, when his son Donald took over the stables and continued a family tradition by training this year’s winner of the National, Ballabriggs.

 

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