Biography

Born – June 13, 1970 his father was Ginger McCain, trainer of the legendary Red Rum, the only horse to win the Aintree Grand National three times (1973, 1974 and 1977) and also Amberleigh House, the 2004 victor. Donald McCain has established himself as the North’s leading national Hunt trainer since taking over the reins from his father in 2006.

He first rode under Rules aged 15 and subsequently rode 50 winners over jumps. Donald spent two and a half years working for Luca Cumani before becoming pupil assistant and amateur to Oliver Sherwood. He continued to gain experience during the summer months with top Flat trainers such as Sir Michael Stoute.

After the move from Southport to Cholmondeley, Donald assisted his father until taking over the licence in June, 2006.  His first winner as a trainer was Bearaway, Newton Abbot, June 8, 2006.

Not only has he previously been the ‘winning most’ National Hunt trainer in the UK but Donald has also enjoyed notable success on the Flat with Overturn, successful in the Northumberland Plate in 2010 and the Chester Cup in 2011, and Ile De Re, who captured the same two heritage handicaps in 2012.

Notable big wins include Cheltenham Festival winners include Whiteoak (Grade 2 – David Nicholson Mares Hurdle – 2008), Peddlers Cross (Grade 1 – Neptune Investment Novices’ Hurdle – 2010), Cinders and Ashes (Grade 1 – William Hill Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – 2012) and Ballabriggs landing the Grand National in 2011. He is now well on the way to training his 2000th winner

Married to Sian, they have three great children; Abbie a succesful NH jockey, Ella who has retired after being a succesful apprentice on the flat and Finlay who hasn't decided what he wants to do yet!