Donald McCain hailed Gordon Elliott's Tiger Roll as a 'street-fighter' after he emulated his father's Red Rum by claiming back-to-back wins in the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on Saturday.
Merseyside-born McCain was just a youngster when his father Ginger sent out Red Rum from his Upper Aughton Road stables in Birkdale to land first his famous victory over Crisp in 1973 and then a commanding success under a welter burden of 12st a year later.
'Rummy' became a National treasure and went on to claim an unprecedented third success in 1977.
But Tiger Roll powered home at Aintree under Davy Russell to become the first horse since Red Rum 45 years ago to win the race for a second successive year.
McCain was assistant to his father at their Bankhouse Stables in Cholmendeley when Amberleigh House gave Ginger a record-equalling fourth win in 2004.
He also trained Ballabriggs to win the world's greatest steeplechase 2011, but he could only finish sixth in his own bid to win back-to-back Nationals the following year.
The Cheshire-based handler admitted that for many years he didn't want any horse to emulate Red Rum.
But now he believes Tiger Roll is a worthy successor.
Speaking to the Press Association, he said: "It was a pleasure to be there. I never thought I'd feel like that. Growing up, I was always hoping last year's Grand National winner didn't win it again, but I think he's the right horse to do it, I really do.
"Obviously the race has changed dramatically, but he was a really good winner and it was a wonderful occasion.
"I had a quick chat with Gordon first thing this morning. I didn't want to mind him yesterday. It's magic."
McCain thinks there are similarities between Red Rum and Tiger Roll, with both having been Flat-bred horses and neither are as big as many National Hunt-types.
He added: "It's amazing in some ways, everyone is looking for a certain type of racehorse to be a Grand National horse and they broke the mould. That is failed they were Flat horses going on to do a job they weren't expected to do.
"It just shows you. It's the street-fighter type of model they both are that people are so affected by.
"It's very tough to do. I've always said Grand National winners going up 7lb, 8lb, 9lb still does not sit right with me in some ways, but that's the way it is and it's just become the best staying handicap chase there is and that's what it is. It was a huge performance.
"We're brainwashed by Cheltenham from August, September onwards - all year - and it's become this unstoppable monster, but for the general public, and the feelgood factor, there is no place makes you feel better than the National meeting."
