Red Rum trainer's grandson to make Grand National debut with very special good luck charm

Jack Otway
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:04:25 +0000

Toby McCain-Mitchell will tuck a lock of Red Rum's hair into his gloves when he takes on the world's most famous steeplechase this Saturday.

The 24-year-old jockey carries a remarkable racing heritage, being the grandson of Ginger McCain, the trainer who guided Red Rum to three Grand National triumphs in 1973, 1974 and 1977.

His uncle Donald, Ginger's son, continued the family's Aintree success when Ballabriggs claimed victory in 2011.

Now McCain-Mitchell is hoping to become the third generation to taste glory at the Liverpool course, partnering the 125-1 outsider Top Of The Bill for trainers Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies.

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The keepsake has deep sentimental origins, preserved by his mother Joanne following the beloved horse's death in 1995.

Red Rum, a firm favourite with punters throughout his racing career, left behind more than just memories for the McCain family.

Since his passing, strands from the legendary horse's mane have been stitched into the bridles of family runners tackling the famous Aintree fences.

The tradition has accompanied every horse connected to the McCain family as they've attempted to navigate the challenging course where Red Rum made his name with those historic victories across the 1970s.

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McCain-Mitchell spoke candidly about his unusual good luck charm ahead of the race.

"I'll put a lock I have in my gloves on Saturday," he said.

"It's a bit silly but it's just for good luck."

The young jockey pointed to Red Rum's exceptional record over the Aintree obstacles as justification for the superstition.

"He used to do well over them," McCain-Mitchell added.

"So it can't do any harm."

The three-day Randox Grand National Festival gets underway today, building towards Saturday's showpiece event where McCain-Mitchell will hope his family talisman brings fortune once more.

How the event pans out remains to be seen.