Toby McCain-Mitchell, a 24-year-old jockey, is poised to make his debut in the world-famous Grand National steeplechase this Saturday, carrying a unique piece of family history within his riding gloves. The young rider will have a lock of hair from the legendary Red Rum's mane sewn into his equipment, hoping to channel the success of the most celebrated horse in the race's history.
A Family Legacy Steeped in Grand National Glory
This weekend's race marks a significant moment for the McCain dynasty, as Toby becomes the third generation of his family to compete for the winner's post at Aintree. His grandfather, the late Ginger McCain, trained Red Rum to an unprecedented three Grand National victories in 1973, 1974, and 1977—a record that remains unmatched. Ginger later secured a fourth win with Amberleigh House in 2004.
The family success continued with Toby's uncle, Donald McCain, who trained Ballabriggs to victory in 2011. Following Red Rum's death in October 1995, Toby's mother, Joanne, preserved hair from the champion's mane. This hair has since been sewn into the bridle of every horse from the McCain stable that has tackled the Grand National fences, creating a tangible link to the past.
Carrying the Legend Forward
Now, as Toby prepares to ride the 10-year-old gelding Top Of The Bill, he will carry an additional lock of Red Rum's hair in his gloves. "It's a bit silly but it's just for good luck," Toby admitted. "Red Rum used to do well over them, so it can't do any harm!" The former point-to-point amateur turned professional in August last year, hoping to write his own chapter in Aintree history.
Although too young to remember his grandfather's victories firsthand, Toby vividly recalls Ballabriggs' 2011 win. "I remember Ballabriggs—I was at my friend's house. It was on the telly in his living room and we were jumping up and down. I couldn't believe it," he said. "Aintree is like a family obsession. We all support Liverpool FC as well—it's just the be all and end all."
Emotional Connections and Family Traditions
Toby's first experience riding over the Grand National fences came in the 2023 Foxhunters' Chase, which he described as particularly special as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of Red Rum's first victory. "The most special part of that was seeing my Nana—that was quite emotional. It brought back feelings of grandad," he shared.
This weekend, riding for trainers Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies, Toby will become the first of Ginger McCain's grandchildren to take on the challenging four-mile steeplechase. While several family members will be at Aintree to support him, he believes his mother might find the experience too overwhelming to watch directly. "Mum is definitely bursting with pride and excitement, but I can't imagine she'll be watching," Toby explained. "She will go and stand at grandad's famous spot where the plaque is, just behind the bookies, so I'd say she'd have her back turned for most of it."
Remembering a Racing Legend
Toby was just nine years old when his grandfather passed away in September 2011, so his personal memories of Ginger are more familial than professional. "I have good memories of racing up and down Donald's yard on our push bikes, stealing the lads' whips and whipping the back wheel," he recalled. "We'd be racing up and down the yard doing everyone's head in, pretending to ride a finish."
Despite more than five decades having passed since Red Rum's first victory, the horse's influence on the McCain family remains profound. The Irish-bred champion, who was famously buried at the winner's post at Aintree following his death at age 30, not only won the race three times but also placed second in both 1975 and 1976. His 1973 comeback from 30 lengths behind is widely regarded as the greatest Grand National in history.
The Challenge Ahead
"Red Rum's just a legend," Toby reflected. "He was around so long but people forget his longevity. He also finished second in between those three wins. Back then it was such a different race to what it is now—it's perhaps a bit of a classier race today—he doesn't perhaps get the props he deserves. He was magic and it's nice to try and keep a bit of the legacy going."
Despite his enthusiasm and the sentimental connection to racing history, Toby faces a formidable challenge. Top Of The Bill is currently a 125-1 outsider in the Randox-sponsored race. "There's no arguing that he's up against it, but he's a proven stayer and has run well over further than three miles," Toby acknowledged. "He's got a lot of characteristics of a National horse, so hopefully we get a safe trip round and give it our best go—that's all you can ask."
As the starting flag prepares to drop on Saturday, Toby McCain-Mitchell will carry not just the hopes of his family but also a physical piece of racing history, blending tradition with ambition in one of sport's most demanding tests.
