Amberleigh House won the 2004 Grand National

The horse gave McCain his fourth success in the big race in 2004 after three previous wins with Red Rum.

And Amberleigh House will be aimed at the marathon again, giving his trainer the chance to suprass Fred Rimmell's total of four victories.

"Amberleigh House is rising 13 now and only two horses of that age have won the race before, but I think it will be three by next year," said McCain.

Silver Birch claims Aintree win

McCain ran his stable star at Aintree on Sunday in the Totesport Becher Chase and was not disappointed by a fifth-place showing.

The 12-year-old has a great record in the 3m 3f contest, landing the spoils in 2001, chasing home Ardent Scout in 2002 and having a protracted battle with Clan Royal 12 months ago before going down by a short head.

Amberleigh House gained revenge when seeing off Clan Royal in the National five months later.

McCAIN'S NATIONAL WINS 2004: Amberleigh House 1977: Red Rum 1975: Red Rum 1974: Red Rum

McCain's horse warmed up for this year's Becher Chase with a promising fourth behind Mister McGoldrick at Wetherby last month after a flop over hurdles on his seasonal bow.

"It was a great relief when he ran a much better race at Wetherby. He was staying on really well over a trip that was on the short side," said the trainer.

"I'm not bothered if he doesn't win on Sunday. I'd just like him to run a good race so that we can put him on ice for the big one."

Looking to the future, McCain admitted he would be handing over at some stage to his son and assistant, Donald junior, as he "couldn't go on forever".

"I'll probably do it for another two or three years but I might stretch that to four or five if we win the National this season," he said.