A minute’s silence has been held at Bangor-on-Dee following the death of Beryl McCain, the wife of the late Red Rum trainer Ginger – on the same day their son Donald recorded his 250th course winner.

On Saturday morning (16 May) the McCain family announced with great sadness that Beryl had died peacefully in her sleep during the early hours, aged 88.

“It leaves a huge hole in our family but we take great peace in knowing that her and dad are now reunited. Rest in peace, Mum,” said a family tribute.

Beryl, a respected figure in the racing community, was married to Ginger for 50 years, supporting him throughout his phenomenal career which included three Grand National wins with the legendary Red Rum. When Ginger retired after the 2006 Grand National he handed the training business to Donald, and Beryl remained a big supporter.

A minute’s silence was observed on Saturday for Beryl at Bangor-on-Dee, where Donald had six runners. That afternoon, Harry Cobden rode Grain d’Oudairies to victory by one length in the Grand Wynnstay Handicap Chase, to give Donald his 250th win at his local track.

Donald told the Racing Post the jockeys wore black armbands in honour of his mother and described it as a “really special”.

“None of us expected that and it was a lovely gesture. It had only happened that morning, so it had hit us quite quickly,” he said.

Patrick Chesters, racing director at Chester Race Company, said the 250th course winner was a “phenomenal milestone for Donald”.

“We’re extremely proud of the relationship between his team and ours at Chester and Bangor-on-Dee,” he said.

“Evidently, Donald is one of the best in the business and we always see a top calibre of racing from his runners and riders. Huge congratulations are in order.”

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What you didn’t know about… Ballabriggs

Trainer Donald McCain on the 2011 Grand National winner who takes it all in his stride

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Half a century after the legendary Grand National-winning trainer Ginger McCain sent out his stable star Red Rum to the second of his three Aintree successes, his grandson Toby McCain-Mitchell is also making waves in the sport of kings.

The rookie jockey started out in showjumping, before making a name for himself in point-to-points, but on Friday (25 October) he produced a masterful ride under Rules on The Newest One to land a milestone first Cheltenham winner, claiming the Glenfarclas Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase in tremendous style.

“He’s one tough lad so I knew if I was bang in there turning in and just saved enough to get home, he’d tough it out,” said the jockey on the “amazing” win for local trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, for whom he rides out every day.

“All the good jockeys there help improve you no end”: Toby McCain-Mitchell

Toby McCain-Mitchell is the son of the late Ginger McCain’s daughter Joanne and is rightly being touted as a rising star of the weighing room, absorbing skills on a daily basis from the hard-working team around him at the Naunton stables.

“I love it there and all the good jockeys there help improve you no end,” he said.

The emotional young jockey secured his victory at odds of 10/1, hitting the front four fences out in the 3m1f contest at Cheltenham’s Showcase Meeting, the traditional curtain-raiser to the jumps season. He held off some strong challenges to pull one and a half lengths clear of Archie Jones on the Henry Daly-trained Jimmy The Digger, with Imogen Mathias on Jessie Lightfoot in third.

Nigel’s son and assistant trainer Willy Twiston-Davies credited Toby by saying: “He’s worked so hard for us for a long time – he gave The Newest One a fantastic ride.”

Toby’s cousins Abbie and Ella McCain have also followed the family footsteps and been successful in the saddle, and the racing dynasty’s celebrations continued at Aintree on Sunday (28 October) where Toby’s uncle Donald McCain saddled Minella Drama to win the Grade Two Virgin Bet Old Roan Handicap Chase under Brian Hughes.

Read the full reports from Aintree and Cheltenham in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, in shops Thursday, 31 October.

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Trainer Donald McCain on the 2011 Grand National winner who takes it all in his stride.

Fact file

Stable name: Briggsy

Age: 11

Height: 17hh

Breed: thoroughbred

Sire: Presenting

Dam: Papoose

Damsire: Little Bighorn

Discipline: racing

Owner: Trevor Hemmings

Trainer: Donald McCain

Jockey: Jason Maguire

Groom: Gary Grogan

Best ever result: first, Grand National 2011

Five things you didn’t know…

1 He has been under the hammer twice in Irish auction rings: for 12,000 Irish guineas as a foal in 2001 and for €32,000 as a yearling 11 months later.

2 He was born in Ireland on 27 April 2001 in Co Tipperary. His breeder, the late Sarah Jackson, raced his dam Papoose, whose sole win came in a point-to-point.

3 He has never won a Grade One race, but two of his family have. Hi Cloy, his dam’s half-brother, won four top-level chases and For Auction, a half-brother to his grandam, won the 1982 Champion Hurdle.

4 His maternal two-greats grandam Tourina showed no racing talent but proved a fine hunter, following the Ward Union Staghounds in Co Meath half a century ago.

5 He has started at odds-on favourite twice in his 22 runs and was beaten both times. He slipped going into the first fence at Leicester three years ago and he finished second at Kelso in his pre-National outing last year.

To read the full interview with Donald McCain about Ballabriggs see the 12 April issue of H&H

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Donald “Ginger” McCain (21 September 1930 – 19 September 2011) was an English National Hunt trainer.

Famously plain-speaking and politically incorrect, he won the Grand National four times – three times with Red Rum (1973, 1974 and 1977) and a fourth time with Amberleigh House (2004).

When Ginger left school aged 14 he helped his grandfather, John Wright, drive his horse-drawn float.

He was often allowed to ride local tradesmen’s horses that he jumped at local shows.

After National Service Ginger returned to Southport – where he was born – to work in a wallet factory, but lasted only three weeks.

He then took up a job at a stables in Cheshire owned by Frank Speakman. However, at 12st he was too heavy to become a jockey.

Ginger began training in 1962, using stables behind his used-car garage in Southport. Before his Grand National successes he supported himself by taxi driving.

His first winner came in 1965 with San Lorenzo at a selling chase in Liverpool.

In August 1972 he bought Red Rum for 6,000 guineas.

Despite vets thinking he had an incurable bone disease – pedalostitis – Red Rum won six out of his nine races in the 1972/73 season.

Ginger put Red Rum’s recovery down to exercising him on the sands and in the surf of Southport beach.

It was Brian Fletcher who rode him to his first Grand National victory in 1973, narrowly beating the Australian chaser Crisp.

And in 1974 Red Rum became the first horse to win successive Nationals since Reynoldstown in the 1930s.

After an incredible third National win in 1977, Red Rum was forced into retirement just before the 1978 race with a hairline fracture in a heel. He died in October 1995.

Ginger moved from Southport to Bankhouse, Cheshire in 1990.

He took the National for a fourth time with Amberleigh House in 2004.

In 2005 he handed what was now a very full yard to his son Donald, who claimed the McCains’ fifth Grand National in 2011 with Ballabriggs.

Ginger died on 19 September 2011, aged 80. His memorial service was held at Liverpool Cathedral in November 2011 where a 1000-strong congregation celebrated his life.

A 1,000-strong congregation packed out Liverpool’s Anglican cathedral last week (15 November) to celebrate the life of Ginger McCain.

Owners, trainers and jockeys past and present paid tribute to the man who won the Grand National four times.

His relationship with Red Rum did much to rescue the race when it was in the doldrums in the1970s.

Ginger’s widow Beryl said: “It was absolutely fantastic, memorable and wonderful. The cathedral was full.”

His son Donald had been concerned that it was too large a venue. “When Aintree said they wanted to come here, the first thing I said was ‘Will enough people turn up?’

“They told me off for being stupid,” he added.

Richard Pitman gave an address, as did former commentator and Ginger’s old friend Jonathan Turner.

As friends and family filed out, the organist played the Bob Hope song Thanks For

the Memories.

Channel 4 racing’s Alastair Down told H&H why he made the pilgrimage to Merseyside.

“Ginger was a living monument to political incorrectness and no loss to the diplomatic corps,” he said.

“But his handling of Red Rum leaves lovers of the horse forever in his debt. In those five years [in which he won three times and came second twice], he reconnected the general public with the horse.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (24 November 2011)

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Ginger McCain is to be remembered at a service in Liverpool Cathedral next month.

The colourful National Hunt trainer, who won the Grand National four times – three times with Red Rum in the 1970s – was synonymous with the race and Aintree racecourse.

He died last month at the age of 80 after a period of illness (news, 22 September).

In a statement the McCain family said they would like to thank “everyone for their wonderful tributes and messages, which have made a very tough time much easier”.

The memorial service will be held on 15 November at 2.30pm.

This news stroy was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (27 October, 2011)

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Racing fans and industry figures are calling for Aintree racecourse to honour Ginger McCain with a permanent memorial.

The trainer, who died on 19 September, was synonymous with the Grand National – having won with Red Rum (1973, 1974,1977) and Amberleigh House (2004).

Ideas include running the 2012 Grand National in his name, naming a fence or a race after him, or erecting a statue on the course next to the one of Red Rum – which has the support of local Labour MP, Bill Esterton.

Aintree has opened a condolences book, but a spokesman said they are in “no rush” to decide how to honour him.

“Ginger has done such great things for Aintree so we want to ensure whatever we do is a fitting tribute,” she said. “After his funeral we will talk with his family to get a feel for what he would have liked.”

And Sefton Council is considering how to honour Ginger’s contribution to Southport – where he used to train Red Rum on the beach.

“Ginger was highly regarded in Sefton and often said Southport remained his true home,” a spokesman told H&H.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (29 September, 2011)

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Grand National legend Donald “Ginger” McCain has died aged 80.

The trainer, who famously won the Aintree race four times – three of those with Red Rum – died in the early hours of this morning (Monday, 19 September) aged 80 at his home in Cholmondeley, Cheshire.

He would have turned 81 on Wednesday (21 September).

The colourful trainer celebrated Grand National victory with Red Rum in 1973, 1974, 1977 and Amberleigh House in 2004. He retired in 2006 and handed the training reins over to his son Donald, who in April carried on the family legacy winning the race with Ballabriggs.

“Ginger passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short illness,” his wife Beryl said today. 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 [his daughter and son] and I appreciate all the kindness we are being shown and, at this difficult time, would appreciate it if we were afforded some privacy.”

Joanne tweeted earlier today: “I love you Dad. You are the best, You’ll always be with us. Xxx”

A real character, the often outspoken trainer used to be a taxi driver to supplement his training income. It was through driving he met Noel le Mare, whom he went on to buy Red Rum for. Ginger famously exercised the horse along the beach at Southport.

“We are deeply saddened at the news of Ginger’s death and our thoughts are very much with the McCain family,” said Aintree chairman Lord Daresbury.

“Ginger was a local man and a true ‘National legend’. His four Grand National victories was an unbelievable achievement and brought the race even closer to the nation’s heart. Ginger was a terrific supporter of the racecourse; we will badly miss him at Aintree on raceday.”

He added that staff at the racecourse will be speaking to Ginger’s family to agree how to best remember his achievements.

Tributes from the racing world have poured in on Twitter.

Jockey AP McCoy: “Sad to hear about the death of Aintree legend Ginger McCain trainer of the great Red Rum. My thoughts are with his family, RIP”

Trainer and former jockey Brendan Powell: “Sad to hear of Ginger McCain’s passing. Tough but fair man to ride for. Thoughts are with his family. RIP,” Brendan Powell.

Jockey Sam Twiston-Davies: RIP ginger McCain true legend.

Presenter Clare Balding: “Very sad. He was an old-fashioned type and said what he thought but he was a character alright. Whenever I approached Ginger with a microphone it raised the heart rate. He might swear, say something offensive or be pertinent and funny.”

For more reaction and a comment from H&H columnist Marcus Armytage see Thursday’s issue of H&H (22 September).

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Jenny Pitman and Sir Peter O’Sullevan are among eight Aintree racing greats to be named as “Grand National legends”.

The eight “legends” are to be honoured in an awards ceremony at Aintree racecourse on Grand National day, Saturday 10 April.

They will be inducted into the inaugural John Smith’s Grand National Legends Hall of Fame.

A short list was created by a panel of racing experts and then voted on by the public.

Five of the legends were selected by the public:

Ginger McCain and Red Rum — who won the race three times in the 1970s

Jenny Pitman — the first woman to train a national winner, Corbiere in 1983

Sir Peter O’Sullevan — who commentated on 50 Grand Nationals

John Buckingham and Foinavon — who won on their National debut in 1967 despite being 100-1 and famously avoiding a pile-up at the 23rd fence

Manifesto — who ran in the national eight times in the late 1800s, winning twice, finishing third three times and fourth once

Three were chosen by a racing panel:

Edward Topham — whose who’s family dynasty led Aintree for 125 years

Captain Martin Becher — who famously fell into the brook

George Stevens — the jockey who won five times between 1856 and 1870.

Aintree’s managing director Julian Thick said: “The John Smith’s Grand National always seems to produce a great story and we have been delighted by the public response to this vote.

“We also felt it was important to recognise the contributions made in the very early days of the race, with Captain Becher and Edward Topham playing a huge part in creating the race we know today and George Stevens’ record as a jockey unlikely to be surpassed. We now look forward to celebrating these first inductees to Aintree on John Smith’s Grand National Day.”

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Amberleigh House produced a spectacular victory in the £600,000 Martell Cognac Grand National at Aintree this afternoon.

Graham Lee rode the 12-year-old, who was third here last year, in a brave finish, recording a historic fourth win for trainer Ginger McCain, the man responsible for Red Rum’s three victories in the race.

McCain, 73, praised his son Donald for all the work he had done with Amberleigh House, and told BBC Sport after the race: “I never thought I was going to win another National. He was foot-perfect. He’s a professional. He’s the best thing that has happened to me for a long, long time.”

Clan Royal, co-favourite at the off, stole second place. Jockey Liam Cooper had lost his whip and appeared to be riding the wrong course to the finish, but suddenly veered into the running and fought on, coming in behind Amberleigh House.

Mark Bradburne gave Martin Pipe-trained Lord Atterbury a fantastic ride, defying the odds and surviving the horse’s numerous jumping mistakes. He overcame his recent form, running prominently throughout the race, and after a fierce battle in the home straight eventually settled for third place.

Last year’s winner Monty’s Pass ran a valiant race under 11st10lb, managing a well-deserved fourth place.

There were 11 finishers in a field of 39, with Becher’s Brook taking it’s toll on the first circuit. It accounted for nine horses, including co-favourite and 2002 winner Bindaree, who was brought down by another faller. Blowing Wind refused, and outsider Akarus was blinded by a loose horse. The notorious fence also claimed Bounce Back, who stayed true to his name and ran on without a rider, falling and getting to his feet a further two times in the race.

Hotly-backed Irish contender Hedgehunter ran a blinder of a race, before a crashing fall at the last. Jockey David Casey explained that it was sheer exhaustion rather than a mistake.

He told BBC Sport: “He almost travelled too well and did too much in front. It’s unfortunate. I’m disappointed, but more so for the horse – he didn’t deserve it.”

Some of the leading market hopes suffered ignominious fates in the race:

• Martin Pipe-trained Jurancon II fell at the fourth, nearly bringing down the eventual winner with him and yet again denying Tony McCoy this much coveted victory
• Joss Naylor was struggling by the time they were over Valentine’s, and was eventually pulled up at the 19th
• Bear on Board produced a solid performance after depositing his jockey on his way down to the start, finishing in eighth place and consolidating a season of massive improvement

Full result

1, Amberleigh House; 2, Clan Royal; 3, Lord Atterbury; 4, Monty’s Pass; 5, Spot thedifference; 6, Smarty; 7, Ardent Scout; 8, Bear on Board; 9, Kingsmark; 10, The Bunny Boiler; 11, David’s Lad.

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