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Phil
, thanks for breaking the sad news. Racing is so much the poorer for his passing. Somehow he seemed made of teak, and I for one can’t quite take it in yet. His story, and that of his great horse, will live forever.
This has come as a real shock. One of the real names of racing.
RIP Ginger you gave so much pleasure to so many.
Just heard that Ginger McCain has died, tragic news.
Thanks for breaking the news Phil.
Ginger "Red Rum" McCain provided me with some great memories in the world of horse racing. First with Red Rum himself in 1977 whom I’d backed to win that year’s national. 50p each way the bet the bet was placed by my late dad.
Years later he also provided Amberleigh House in a typical late finish on the elbow, stirring stuff.
His son won last years national with Ballabriggs.
Ginger was 80, born 21 September 1930 , died 19 September 2011 through cancer. Which was the same way my dad died earlier in the year.
R.I.P. Ginger.
A real star has left the world, and the world of racing is poorer for it. He leaves us with fantastic memories and a great legacy
RIP Ginger
Both Ginger and Rummy battled from humble beginnings to become legends in their own lifetimes.
My love for the sport started from the day I witnessed the 1973 National on Grandstand when I was only 9 years of age. Anyone who sat through that 9 minutes of exhausting and unfolding drama will never forget that day.
Sadly we will never see their likes again.I met Ginger often – he was always ready with a good story or quote – a most colourful character and the world is a sadder place without him. Reunited with his beloved "Rummy" – lots of great memories. RIP – he will NEVER be forgotten.
R.I.P. Ginger.
A great character, who performed miracles in his training of Rummy.
A genuine one-off, he really will be sadly missed by all in the sport, and beyond.
It will be interesting to see what they will do to honour him.
I think perhaps a ladies race The "Horses do not win Nationals ridden by women." Handicap Chase.
I’m sure Ginger would appreciate it and see the funny side.
RIP.
Many a horse-crazy girl was inspired by Red Rum. He’s the first racehorse I ever knew by name. And Ginger McCain was the first racehorse trainer I ever heard of.
Such sad news. I can still remember being driven to school in Southport in Ginger’s taxi as a little girl and falling in love with Red Rum around the same time when seeing him dead heat on the flat at Aintree in 1967. A twist of fate that Red should end up with Ginger some years later. RIP Ginger, reunited with your beloved Red, he’ll be pleased to see you!
Was told at work of his passing and i just couldn’t believe it until i got an official confirmation. A really unexpected and sad turn of events.
I suppose the one and only real solace is that he lived to see his boy win the National. If there was ever a better swan song, i’ve never seen it.
This years National has always been a difficult one to watch, but what Gingers passing has done, for me at least is make it a very easy race to watch because it brings a nice feeling of pleasure to see Gingers boy officially fill the shoes of his old man and it’s really a nice way to cheer one up from this sad news.
RIP.
- Total Posts 17716
This years National has always been a difficult one to watch, but what Gingers passing has done, for me at least is make it a very easy race to watch because it brings a nice feeling of pleasure to see Gingers boy officially fill the shoes of his old man and it’s really a nice way to cheer one up from this sad news.
A good point, Peter, very well made.
The only odd note sounded, amongst many true ones, was the suggestion that a Grand National Fence ought to be named after Ginger McCain. Given his expressed feelings about the neutering of the Aintree fences, the man would be appalled at the very idea!
Personally, I think a statue or bust of him next to Red Rum in the paddock area would be the best tribute. Still very sad at his passing. It is an era gone.
RIP to the one and only Grand National legend.
Thoughts with the McCain family at this sad time.
This years National has always been a difficult one to watch, but what Gingers passing has done, for me at least is make it a very easy race to watch because it brings a nice feeling of pleasure to see Gingers boy officially fill the shoes of his old man and it’s really a nice way to cheer one up from this sad news.
A good point, Peter, very well made.
I’d echo that – nicely put, sir.
The only odd note sounded, amongst many true ones, was the suggestion that a Grand National Fence ought to be named after Ginger McCain. Given his expressed feelings about the neutering of the Aintree fences, the man would be appalled at the very idea!
I’m sure he would!
I haven’t yet had time to read any of the assorted memorials published today, but I wonder whether any writers have ventured to suggest what some might think; namely, that at least in passing away when he has, Ginger will be spared the potential heartbreak of seeing the course and race he loves so much being diminished any more than he can bear?
If so, it’s all as much a case of "Remember Aintree this way" for him as it is "Remember Ginger this way" for us.
gc
Jeremy Grayson. Son of immigrant. Adoptive father of two. Metadata librarian. Freelance point-to-point / horse racing writer, analyst and commentator wonk. Loves music, buses, cats, the BBC Micro, ale. Advocate of CBT, PACE and therapeutic parenting. Aspergers.
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