Son of an Aintree legend; Donald McCain has established himself as the north’s leading trainer since taking over the reins from his father Ginger McCain in 2006.
He has finished third in the trainers’ championship behind Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson for the past two seasons (2010/2011 & 2011/2012) and currently lies third in this season’s championship (based on prize money), adrift of Nicholls and Henderson again, even though he has sent out more winners than either of those trainers (121 up to and including 24 February).
He has already trained one John Smith’s Grand National winner, Ballabriggs in 2011, and sent out six Cheltenham Festival victors.
Has also enjoyed notable success on the Flat with Overturn, successful in the Northumberland Plate in 2010 and the Chester Cup in 2011, and Ile De Re, who captured the same two heritage handicaps in 2012.
Born – 13 June 1970
Background – His father was Ginger McCain, trainer of the legendary Red Rum, the only horse to win the John Smith’s Grand National three times (1973, 1974 and 1977) and also Amberleigh House, the 2004 victor.
First rode under Rules aged 15, finishing last in a mile contest for amateurs at Haydock Park on 3 May, 1986. Subsequently rode 50 winners over jumps.
Spent two and a half years working for Luca Cumani before becoming pupil assistant to Oliver Sherwood. Continued to work on the Flat during the summer with spells at Sir Michael Stoute, Chris Wall and Sean Woods.
Assisted his father until taking over the licence in June, 2006. Wife Sian trains point-to-pointers. They have two children, Abbie and Ella.
First winner as a trainer – Bearaway, Newton Abbot, 8 June 2006
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL WINS (6)
William Hill Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2012 Cinders And Ashes)
OLBG Mares’ Hurdle (2008 Whiteoak)
Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle (2010 Peddlers Cross),
Coral Cup (2012 Son Of Flicka)
Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Handicap Chase (2007 Cloudy Lane, 2010 Ballabriggs)
OTHER BIG RACE WINS INCLUDE
Charlie Hall Chase (2011 Weird Al)
Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle (2011 Hollow Tree)
Galway Hurdle (2010 Overturn), Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle (2010 Any Given Day), Fighting Fifth Hurdle (2010 Peddlers Cross & 2011 Overturn)
John Smith’s Grand National (2011 Ballabriggs),
John Smith's Mersey Novices' Hurdle (2010 Peddlers Cross)
Scottish Champion Hurdle (2010 Overturn)
HORSE PROFILES
GUIDE TO THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2013 – CLICK HERE
Allison is the Publisher of Eclipse Magazine. She loves going to the Races and is learning to bet (despite being officially the worst bettor in the History of the Universe), there’s a lot more to learn…
