The Grandad National
Granddaughter of Red Rum’s trainer wins first race at just 16
HER grandfather trained the legendary Red Rum and her father is also a top horse trainer, so racing is in her blood.
And Ella McCain is continuing the family legacy in style – winning her first event at the age of just 16.
The teenage jockey secured victory riding 7-1 horse Dark Confidant at Carlisle Racecourse in her first ever competitive race, just weeks after sitting her GCSEs.
Her grandfather, the late Ginger McCain, coached Red Rum to three Grand National victories in the 1970s – still the only horse to win three times – as well as training 2004 National winner Amberleigh House, while her father Donald trained 2011 National winner Ballabriggs.
Her older sister Abbie, 17, is also an amateur jockey and won her first race earlier this month at Wolverhampton.
Ella was beaming after winning her debut race, a seven-furlong amateur flat route, on Friday night – with her horse wearing the same kind of noseband as Red Rum.
‘It was brilliant, it doesn’t get much better than winning your first race,’ she told The Jockey Club. ‘I’ve just done my GCSEs and this was far more enjoyable.
‘I was OK as far as nerves go right up until the moment I got in the car to come here and then the butterflies started.
‘I’ve ridden Dark Confidant for a few days at home as we’ve only just got him but he’s a really nice horse. It was his first time at this distance but I knew he would stay on.’ When asked how she would celebrate, she said: ‘I think I’ll go to bed!’
Her father Donald, who trains Dark Confidant, said: ‘Ella’s GCSE results won’t be anything like this – she has no other interest in anything other than racing.’
Ella, who lives with her family in Cholmondeley in Cheshire, has now set her sights on winning the Jockey Club Racecourses North West Development Award, which gives £20,000 to female jockeys to help further their careers.
To get the award a jockey must win a race at Carlisle on ‘Amazing Monday’, the UK’s only all-female event, on August 7 and then win the Betfred Ladies’ Trophy at Haydock Park on August 12.
While Ella is just starting out, Abbie has a jockey agent. Mr McCain said Amazing Monday was ‘an obvious’ opportunity for both of them, adding: ‘Both have been pony racing for a number of years. It’s slightly different when it is against professionals, but they have plenty of experience so hopefully there is something here for them.’
He added: ‘Winning the big races is something we strive for and Ella’s win is just hugely satisfying. It’s a great sport to be involved in.
‘Yes we want to be very successful, but to be working with the family is just magic.’