GRAND National-winning owner John Halewood led the tributes to Aintree legend Ginger McCain, who died yesterday, aged 80, after a short illness.

Ginger McCain, paying his last visit to Haydock Park before handing in his trainer’s licence, scooped the feature event when Cloudy Lane powered home in the £20,000 Red Square Vodka “Fixed Brush” Novices’ Hurdle Final.

Jason Maguire is on standby to take the ride on ante-post favourite Amberleigh House in next month's John Smith’s Grand National.

Drinks millionaire John Halewood rescued the UK’s biggest bottler of miniature wines and spirits.

Ginger McCain’s Martell Cognac Grand National contender Amberleigh House took another step towards Aintree with a gallop at Haydock Park today.