GINGER McCAIN'S training days may be numbered after 37 years in the business, but the man made famous by the exploits of Red Rum showed he hasn't lost the magic touch with a 25-1 double at Sedgefield yesterday.

A legend in his own lifetime with four Aintree Grand National triumphs, McCain, based at Cholmondeley in Cheshire, is planning to hand over the reins to his son, Donald, during the spring.

"This is my best ever season with 25 winners. I'm like a good wine that comes to its best just before it's about to go off," joked Ginger after West Hill had taken the honours in the Bet 365 Novices Handicap Hurdle.

Vicario sparked McCain's two-timer by making the most of his featherweight to score at the first time of asking over fences in the Beginners Chase.

Jockey Stephen Craine, who was also aboard West Hill, always had his mount to the fore, although he may have been fortunate to take the money as Henry's Pride would probably have won save for a blunder at the final obstacle.

"Vicario's too small to carry big weights over hurdles so the obvious thing to do was send him chasing," said Ginger.

It was a red-letter day for Gary Bartley, who rode his inaugural jumps winner on Middleham's Etoile Russe in the Racecourse Video Services Handicap.

Successful trainer, Patrick Haslam, was absent and as a result represented by his assistant, Carol Bartley, husband of Gary.

"Gary's ridden two winners on the Flat, but he's too heavy for that game now. I must be feeding him too well," said Carol with a wry smile.

Sue Smith's Stagecoach Diamond slugged his way to a gritty victory in the opening Novices Hurdle.

The Bingley handler bagged her second winner on the card when Stagecoach Opal took the closing bumper race.

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