CHOLMONDELEY-based Donald McCain has followed in his father’s footsteps by training the winner of the Grand National.

Ginger McCain famously won the world’s greatest steeplechase no fewer than four times with Red Rum and Amberleigh House.

Now his son Donald has emulated him, after Ballabriggs romped to victory at Aintree this afternoon (Saturday).

Donald McCain said: “We always genuinely thought he might be an Aintree horse. Things have gone so smoothly all year, he’s a joy to deal with.”

The victorious jockey, Jason Maguire, added: “He was jumping fence-to-fence, I was just trying to get him over the jumps, wanted to keep him in the top 10, but fair play to Donald, who’s done a wonderful job.”

The pair were ahead throughout and powered home ahead of Oscar Time, ridden by Sam Waley-Cohen.

Last year’s winner Don’t Push It was a brave third under Tony McCoy ahead of State of Play and Niche Market.

Ballabriggs had been aimed specifically at Aintree and gives owner Trevor Hemmings his second win in the race after Hedgehunter’s success of 2005.

Ballabriggs came in at 14-1.