Aintree legend Ginger McCain, the man who trained the great Red Rum, has died.

McCain saddled Red Rum to win the Grand National three times, in 1973, 1974 and 1977, before winning the Aintree marathon for a fourth time with Amberleigh House in 2004.

McCain's wife Beryl said today: "Donald, Ginger as we all knew him, passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short illness this morning.

"He would have been 81 on Wednesday.

"There will be a private family funeral followed by a later memorial service, for which there will be more information in the coming weeks."

McCain began his training career as a permit holder in 1953 and took out a full licence in 1969, when his stables were behind his car showroom in Southport.

He worked as a taxi driver to supplement his income as a trainer prior to finding Grand National success.

It was as a taxi driver that he became acquainted with Noel le Mare for whom he bought Red Rum.

He retired after the 2006 Grand National and handed over the training licence to his son Donald, who maintained the family tradition by winning this year's National with Ballabriggs.