Red Rum's unprecedented third National win came in 1977

"I've got two horses going into the race with a serious chance," the trainer said. "They are both sound and have been laid out for it.

"Hanakham would have been a Cheltenham Gold Cup horse, but he had leg problem.

"However, his work-rate has been good and with luck in running and a clear round he's got every chance.

"And don't forget Amberleigh House. They're making a horse favourite (Mely Moss) that hasn't even run this season. It's madness."

With Mely Moss an ungenerous 7-1 with some bookmakers, McCain believes his mounts offer real value for money.

Twelve-year-old Hanakham is currently quoted at 40-1 and nine-year-old Amberleigh House 100-1.

Legendary status

Red Rum, who died six years ago at the age of 30, is buried beside the winning post at Aintree.

The only horse to have won the world's greatest steeplechase three times, 'Rummy' remains one of the most resonant names in Grand National history.

But if Hanakham or Amberleigh House could pull off a shock win on Saturday, McCain will enhance his own reputation as one of Aintree's true greats.

Red Rum is buried at Aintree

Even such a stunning triumph, though, would be unlikely to prompt the former second-hand car dealer to adopt a quieter life.

With his son David waiting in the wings to take up the reins, McCain should be ready to wind down after a 50-year career.

But that is not the way he sees it: "They shoot old trainers don't they," he quips, "they don't retire!"