The life of legendary racehorse trainer Ginger McCain was celebrated during a memorial service at Liverpool Cathedral on November 15.

Around 1,000 people, including race horse owners, trainers and jockeys, attended the service.

Mr McCain, who died at home aged 80, is best known for training three-time Grand National winner Red Rum.

Many have attributed the resurgence of the Aintree meeting, which had hit a low ebb during the 1970s, to the former car salesman.

Tommy Stack, who rode Red Rum to his third victory in 1977, said: “Ginger was unique because he kept the National alive. He was a very kind man and the way he looked after that horse was a credit to him.

“To go to Aintree five times and win three times and be second twice will never be done again.”

An impressive £73,000 was raised at a fundraising event that took place at Ffos Las Racecourse in South Wales in early November.

The money will be given to the Swansea Valley Miners’ Appeal Fund, which has already raised £500,000 to support the families of the four miners killed at Gleision Colliery in September.

Funds collected at the Ffos Las meeting came from hospitality income and auctions.

One of the highlights of the auction was a print of Brian Fletcher with Red Rum, which raised £2,600. The print was donated by Mr Fletcher, who rode the famous horse to his first two Grand National wins in 1973 and 1974.

According to reports, new safety regulations could make next year’s Grand National a much safer event for horses and jockeys alike.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA), which is orchestrating the changes, says more effort will be made to round up loose horses, and that horses aged six will no longer be allowed to take part. All horses that run will have to prove their stamina by finishing fourth or higher in a steeplechase race.

While jockeys previously had to have ridden 15 winners over obstacles in the past, ten of these wins must be over fences rather than hurdles in the future. If they fail to meet the criteria, they will no longer be able to apply for dispensation from the BHA.

There was a mixed response from animal rights groups. The World Horse Welfare charity said it hopes the changes will make the 2012 Grand National the safest yet; however, Animal Aid believes not enough has been done to prevent further injuries and fatalities.