A BRONZE portrait bust of Ginger McCain will take pride of place at his beloved Aintree Racecourse as a lasting tribute to the legendary Cheshire-based horse trainer.

The nearly double life-size bust of the four-time Grand National-winning trainer will be placed on the mound overlooking the parade ring.

The artwork has been commissioned by the racecourse, which is already home to a life-size statue of Red Rum the horse Ginger famously guided to a hat-trick of wins at the worlds greatest steeplechase in the 1970s.

Ginger, who also led Amberleigh House to Grand National glory in 2004, died at his Cholmondeley home in September last year, aged 80, following a battle with cancer.

The bust will be unveiled by the McCain family at the 2012 John Smiths Grand National meeting, which starts with Liverpool Day on Thursday, April 14.

His son Donald said: When Aintree discussed the idea with us, we were thrilled that they had chosen to commemorate dads achievements with a bronze portrait bust.

It is fitting that the bust will be sited at Aintree a place he held dear to his heart.

Aintree Racecourse managing director Julian Thick added: We look forward to the bust becoming a permanent fixture for visitors to enjoy for many years to come.

The bust will be produced by British sculptor Nigel Boonham whose previous work includes Princess Diana and sporting legends John McEnroe and Lord Sebastian Coe.

Mr Boonham said: When I was asked to make a portrait bust of Ginger McCain I was immediately struck by what a marvellous, expressive, sculptural face Ginger had, which is always an exciting start.

But more than that it was a chance to celebrate permanently in bronze the familiar face of a legendary figure of Aintree, one who has touched a multitude of people.