Steeplechase trainer Ginger McCain dies at 80

LONDON (AP) - Ginger McCain, who trained Red Rum to three victories in the British Grand National steeplechase, died Monday. He was 80.

He died in his sleep after a short illness, wife Beryl said.

McCain saddled Red Rum to victories in the Grand National at Aintree in 1973, 1974 and 1977, and won the world's toughest steeplechase for a fourth time with Amberleigh House in 2004.

``He was instrumental in helping to save the Grand National,'' former Aintree managing director Charles Barnett said. ``At that time in the early 1970's when Red Rum was winning his three races, Ginger was very supportive to it (Grand National) and he got the public very much behind the appeal to purchase the track.

``It was an extraordinary training feat and an extraordinary horse he trained. But not just the horse, Ginger himself was very important to the race and to the venue.''

McCain worked as a taxi driver to supplement his income as a trainer before finding Grand National success. He retired after the 2006 Grand National. His son Donald maintained the family tradition by winning this year's race at Aintree with Ballabriggs.