HE has already proven he’s a chip off the old block, but son Donald McCain paid tribute to his father Ginger yesterday, by saying: “I wouldn’t be where I am without him.”

Ginger McCain died in the early hours of Monday morning just two days before what would have been his 81st birthday.

The legendary trainer, who went from Southport taxi driver to Aintree legend, thanks the three Grand National victories of Red Rum in the 1970s and Amberleigh House’s success in 2004, leaves behind a grieving family – wife Beryl and daughter Joanne and son Donald.

Donald took over the reigns at the family’s Bankhouse Stables in Cholmondeley from his father in 2006.

And he added to the McCain Aintree dynasty with Ballabriggs’ success in the John Smith’s Grand National in April this year.

Yesterday he said: “My dad passed away this morning and the family was with him. I would like to think he is a legend, and although it has just happened, I have been ringing round a few people and everyone has been fantastic, they only have good things to say about him.”

He added: “My mother Beryl and sister Joanne are okay although we are all a little raw at the moment. It wasn’t unexpected. He hasn’t been well for a week or so and while that hasn’t made it easier to deal with, we were sort of prepared.

“He has been a massive help to me and we couldn’t do what we are doing now without him. He’s never questioned any improvements we wanted to make, we’ve got on and done it, and he’s thoroughly enjoyed the way things are going. As a family we have only wanted to be around nice horses. I like to think he’s been absolutely over the moon with the way things have been going.

“If I can do half as much with my life as he fitted into his I won’t have done too bad. He certainly had a very full life, a very enjoyable life and a very exciting one. The whole business has been built up by my dad, and I wouldn’t be where I am without him so it would be great if I could keep the place going.”

McCain said: “I learned so much from my dad about Grand National horses and training, but the biggest thing he taught me was that if you are good, straight and honest you’ll never come to too much harm.”

The family said there will be a private family service followed by a memorial service at a late date.

TODAY’S NAP: Shotley Mac (3pm Beverley)