Glews tribute to legend Ginger McCain

Ginger McCain was today labelled as National Hunt racing's "ultimate legend" – by the Shropshire man who sponsors the family stables.

Mr McCain's death was ammounced this morning.

Jon Glews, who lives at Ellerdine near Telford, has become a close associate of the renowned trainer who won the Grand National on four occasions, three times with Red Rum and once with Amberleigh House.

Glews is now into his fifth year of sponsoring the McCain stables at Cholmondeley just over the Shropshire border near Cheshire, which is now run by son Donald but which, until recently, Ginger has been a big part of.

"It's a very sad day," said Glews. "I sat by Ginger at his bedside a week last Saturday and it was clear he was struggling.

"His mind was as sharp as ever but his body was packing up on him so the news today wasn't totally unexpected.

"He is THE legend of National Hunt racing for what he has achieved, particularly in his association with the Grand National.

"From a personal point of view he's been like a father figure for me over the last seven or eight years – he was a real one-off.

"It's been a huge pleasure to get to know Ginger and the rest of his family over the last few years."

Glews' fondest racing memory of Ginger came earlier this year when Ballabriggs handed Donald his first National triumph at Aintree.

"I watched the race with Ginger in the paddock that day which is a memory I will treasure for the rest of my life," added Glews.

"Ginger was very proud of what Donald has achieved in the last few years.

He didn't always tell Donald that but it's something which has shone through when I have had chats with Ginger."

By James Garrison