Remembering Ginger: One of Horse Racing’s Great Characters

Very recently, I had a flashback to my time at Staffordshire University – where I studied sports journalism, way back in 2008-2011. One of our compulsory course ‘field trips’ was to the nearby Uttoxoter Racecourse.

For those that don’t know, this is a pleasant, quaint little venue, tucked into the Staffordshire hills, surrounded by countryside. Being trainee sports journalists, we had ‘all-access’ passes which was great, so it meant we got to be in a number of the same areas as the rest of the press, including the parade ring, stables, trackside and even designated media spots.

It was a great day, despite the fact we were ‘working’ this was the type of occasion that many people could only dream about and I think I even had a couple of winners and a well-earned pint to conclude the day. If memory serves one of them was a Venetia Williams (an up-and-coming trainer back then) trained horse.

I even managed to get a few words with Irish jockey and 2004 Grand National winner on Amberleigh House, Graham Lee, who was on hand to provide some interesting insight about the day’s racing and his performances.

The Day’s High Point

However, arguably the highlight of the day was listening to the late, great Donald ‘Ginger’ McCain who addressed the crowd from inside the parade ring, from where he spoke for a good 10 minutes.

It was actually my first real experience of him – I had heard of him before but didn’t really know his history or background in extensive detail. Though, what I remember thinking was ‘this guy is just oozing with charisma – what a character’. It was like watching “Del Boy” Trotter selling his wares in his market store – the whole audience was engrossed, captivated by his flair.

What made the whole thing even more real and genuine was that Ginger had obviously enjoyed a few whiskey chasers and champagne so (as I understood at the time) he was even more outgoing and absorbing.

He would, I think, have been about 78 or 79 at the time – I didn’t actually realise he was that old – his distinctive ginger hair, probably making him look a few years younger – the whole thing almost looked like a renaissance painting.

I couldn’t believe it when I heard that he had passed – in 2011 as well, no less – I personally thought he looked very good for his age, though I understood he faded fast.

That evening when I got back to ‘halls’ and I was writing up my notes, I did a bit of digging into his history and realised that this really was a true character of the sport. Simultaneously running a second-hand car business, while doubling as a trainer, with stables just behind his Southport showroom, it was an engrossing hour or so for me as I began to peel back the layers. Trainer of the legendary Red Rum as well!

I think people like that should be talked about more often; he certainly is someone I won’t forget and I’m glad I had first-hand experience with him. Certainly a career highlight!