Ballabriggs given hero's reception

Donald McCain already has one eye on next year's John Smith's Grand National with Ballabriggs following his brilliant display in the race on Saturday.

No name is more synonymous with the world's most famous steeplechase than that of McCain, with Donald's father, Ginger, saddling legendary three-time winner Red Rum in the 1970s, as well as Amberleigh House in 2004.

McCain jnr has now added his name to the roll of honour, and: "He's tired, but he had a bit of a walk this morning. He's got a small cut on a hind leg but he's OK. I would have thought next year will be geared around Aintree again."

He added: "He'll go for his summer break, but he may well go to the Becher Chase in November.

"We always hoped that he was going to make an Aintree horse.

"Now we know he's taken to it, handicap marks don't matter any more.

"I would like to think we'd be going back for the Grand National whenever, and as often as we can."