TOBY STEEPED IN HISTORY

THE grandson of Red Rum’s trainer Ginger McCain is trying to rein in his excitement for his Grand National debut.

- by MELISSA JONES

From a family steeped in Aintree history, Toby McCain-Mitchell set his heart on lining up in the world’s most famous race over four miles, two-and-a-half furlongs.

But the opportunity has come sooner than expected and fresh from watching replays of the 30-fence test on the treadmill - the 24-year-old gets his chance on the Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies-trained Top Of The Bill.

“I can't stop smiling” he said, “It's a dream come true to get a spin in the National.”

“The horse credited with saving the National, with it threatened by housing plans and declining popularity, Red Rum became an icon with wins in 1973, 1974 and 1977.

Red-haired Ginger, whose real name was Donald, got the legendary chaser fit with gallops on Southport beach, where the seawater helped sooth his problematic hooves.