Red Rum trainer tickled pink with son’s Aintree win

(REUTERS)-Ginger McCain could not resist putting his son in his place despite being “tickled pink” to watch Donald continue his dynasty with Grand National success five years after handing over the reins at his stable. The former trainer, who took Red Rum to three National victories, has passed on his know-how to son Donald who ensured the McCain family name would be further entwined with Aintree when he trained Saturday’s victor Ballabriggs (14-1).
Just like any proud dad, Ginger beamed with pleasure at his son’s achievement seven years after his record-equalling fourth win at the world famous steeplechase with Amberleigh House. But he was also determined not to let Donald get too big for his boots.
Asked whether his son was a chip off the old block, 80-year-old Ginger joked: “Who?” before adding “He’s a cad but he’s a bloody good trainer.”
Ballabriggs owner Trevor Hemmings said McCain junior’s success was down to coming from a good bloodline, as well as some excellent decisions by jockey Jason Maguire.
“The father handed down to the son. It must be in the genes,” he told a news conference. “He clearly learned plenty from Ginger as they now have five National trophies on their mantelpiece.”
Ginger, who won back-to-back Nationals with Red Rum in 1973 and 1974 before adding a third in 1977, retired in 2006 and handed over his Cheshire stables to Donald. Red Rum’s grave lies near the Aintree winning post.
“It proves that good trainers come from anywhere despite their breeding,” Ginger, a joke and a smile never far from his lips, told reporters. “I’m very proud, I’m tickled pink for Don I really, really am.”
Donald added he would be having the “mother and father of parties” with celebrations likely to also take place at his stables, which are a far cry from his father’s start in the business when he used to train horses on Southport beach. Ginger said the day’s success owed much to the quality of Ballabriggs, who beat Oscar Time to win by 2-1/4 lengths. “He seemed to meet every fence on his stride. He’s done everything he’s capable of,” he said.
“He’s a lovely horse to look at, he’s not like a lot of these good looking women — they let you down when you get out with them.”

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