Grand National Rider Carries Red Rum's Hair for Luck in Emotional Family Tribute
The Grand National at Aintree will witness an emotional family legacy this Saturday as Toby McCain-Mitchell, the grandson of legendary racehorse trainer Ginger McCain, makes his debut in the world's most famous steeplechase. In a poignant tribute, the 24-year-old jockey will carry a lock of hair from the iconic horse Red Rum inside his riding glove for good luck.
A Family Tradition Spanning Generations
Toby McCain-Mitchell becomes the third generation of his family to have an association with the Grand National, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Ginger McCain, who famously trained Red Rum to three historic victories in 1973, 1974 and 1977. This remarkable achievement remains unmatched in the race's long history.
The tradition of carrying Red Rum's hair began after the superstar horse's death in 1995, when Toby's mother Joanne preserved locks of his mane. For years, these precious strands have been sewn into the brow bands of horses running over the National fences for the McCain family. Now, Toby will personally carry a piece of this racing history as he navigates the challenging four-and-a-quarter-mile course with its 30 formidable fences.
Preserving Racing Heritage
"Typically all of Donald's horses will have a bit of Red Rum's mane sewn into the brow bands if they run over the National fences," McCain-Mitchell explained. "It's a bit silly but it's just for good luck. He used to do well over them, so it can't do any harm."
The jockey revealed that the supply of Red Rum's hair is becoming limited, making his personal piece particularly special. "My mum's been asked if she hogged the hair when he passed away! I think she did say the supply is getting low, which is why I've kept my bit," he added with a smile.
Family Memories and Racing Legacy
While McCain-Mitchell is too young to remember his grandfather's racing career in detail - Ginger passed away when Toby was just nine - he cherishes personal memories of "just being a good grandad." He has since immersed himself in his grandfather's legacy, reading interviews and understanding the McCain family's deep connection to Aintree.
"He always had his tongue-in-cheek opinions, especially about the restructure of the race and how different it is," Toby recalled. "He was old school and would say it was a load of nonsense, but that would be more to get a bite out of some people. It's a sense of humour and he certainly came alive when the race came around."
Continuing the Family Obsession
The McCain family's association with the Grand National extends beyond Ginger's legendary achievements. His son Donald - Toby's uncle - trained Ballabriggs to victory in 2011, while Ginger himself secured a fourth win with Amberleigh House in 2004 during the twilight of his career.
McCain-Mitchell vividly remembers watching Ballabriggs' victory: "I was at my friend Craig Norris's house and we'd just got back from football and caught it on the telly in his living room and we were jumping up and down. I couldn't believe it!"
"Aintree is like a family obsession," he confessed. "We all support Liverpool and it's just kind of the be all and end all."
Writing His Own Chapter
On Saturday, McCain-Mitchell will attempt to write his own chapter of Grand National history when he rides the 10-year-old gelding Top Of The Bill for joint trainers Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies. Despite facing odds of 125-1, the pairing has shown promising form this season, including a gallant second-place finish in the Grand National Trial at Haydock Park in February.
The jockey's previous experience over the Grand National fences in the Foxhunters' Chase provided an emotional preview of what's to come. "I remember the most special part was seeing my Nana when going back to the washdown area," he shared. "I'd finished fifth and I remember seeing her and that was quite emotional. It brought back feelings of grandad and so on."
A Low-Key Celebration with Deep Meaning
Despite the significance of the occasion, McCain-Mitchell revealed the family plans to keep celebrations relatively low-key. His mother Joanne will likely watch from Ginger's famous spot behind the bookmakers, possibly with her back turned during the most nerve-wracking moments.
"Mum is definitely bursting with pride and excitement, but I can't imagine she'll be watching much of it!" Toby admitted. "I'd say she will go and stand at grandad's famous spot where the plaque is, just behind where the bookies are, so I'd say she'd have her back turned for most of it!"
As Toby McCain-Mitchell prepares to become the first of Ginger's five grandchildren to ride in the Grand National, he carries not just a lock of Red Rum's hair, but the weight of family history and the hopes of continuing a remarkable racing legacy that began 53 years ago with that first historic victory.
