Donald McCain eyes more glory

All roads will lead to Aintree and the Grand National next season for the Donald McCain-trained Ballabriggs following his brilliant display in the race on Saturday.

No name is more synonymous with the world's most famous race than that of McCain, with Donald's father, Ginger, saddling legendary three-time winner Red Rum in the 1970s, as well as Amberleigh House in 2004.

McCain jnr, who is now one of the north's most respected trainers, said: "He'll go home for the summer and I don't see why it won't all be geared around Aintree - he may well go to the Becher Chase next time as well.

"I don't know what weight Phil Smith [handicapper] will give us but it won't make any difference now. He's taken to the place exceptionally well and I would like to think we'd be going back for the Grand National as often as we can.

"Trevor Hemmings [owner] has sent me a horse which has always looked like an Aintree type and [Ginger] has taught me one or two things! Aintree has always been a big part of our lives."