Racegoers across the country mourned the passing of Beryl McCain on Saturday 16 May, wife of racing legend Ginger McCain and mother of local hero Donald McCain.
On a day when family was firmly at the heart of events, Donald McCain marked an emotional occasion in fitting style by saddling his 250th winner at Bangor‑on‑Dee; a remarkable achievement on a poignant afternoon in North Wales for the McCains.
Race 1 – Family Fun Day ‘National Hunt’ Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 4, 4yo+, 2m ½f)
Well found in the market, Saint Jeannais (6/5) was all class in the opening race, readily securing a first win over hurdles by 7 lengths for Tom Broughton and the Twiston-Davies team. Vying for favouritism with locally based Mr Mojo Risin (EvensF), Saint Jeannais sat in second place through the opening mile and a half, racing a length or so behind his main market rival. Travelling sweetly around the home turn, Saint Jeannais only needed to be nudged forward to usurp the long-time leader, and after a fine leap at the last, the progressive 6-year-old came clear to score in fine style. Not his first victory in the Paddy Brennan silks, Tom Broughton also won a valuable Series Final in 2025 aboard Leloopa!
Race 2 – Wigan Beer Company Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle (Class 5, 4yo+, 2m 3 ½f)
Improving for a recent runner-up finish at Fakenham, Dream’s Ka (5/2F) put in a career-best effort when landing the second race of the day, returning home 2 ¼ lengths in front for Harry and Dan Skelton. Held up towards the back of the field, Dream’s Ka was made to play the waiting game through the two-mile point, only really making a challenge as Mr Mahler (4/1) led them round the final turn. Sneaking around the outside, Dream’s Ka really caught the eye before two-out, and after landing with momentum over the final two flights, the new leader sauntered clear to score for owner Jimmy Fyffe, who also teamed up with the Skeltons and Supremely West to land the 2026 Pertemps Final!
Race 3 – Remembering Kitty Warburton Handicap Hurdle (Class 4, 4yo+, 2m ½f)
Having been in the doldrums, Roysse (33/1) finally put it all together again when running out a taking winner of the third race, landing the spoils by 4 ¼ lengths for Beau Morgan and Ben Pauling. A keen-going sort in his youth, Roysse travelled much better on this occasion, waited with in rear for much of the contest as Krak (9/1) set the pace up front. Making smooth headway around the outside of runners as the leaders turned for home, Roysse soon found himself challenging for the lead before the last, moving upsides Krak before quickening away impressively to see off the opposition. A team with a good strike-rate, Pauling and Morgan also combined to win the 2025 Becher Chase with Twig!
Race 4 – Bangor-On-Dee Grand Wynnstay Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 2, 2m 1 ½f)
A landmark moment for the trainer, Donald McCain marked up his 250th winner at Bangor-On-Dee with victory in the feature race, Grain d’Oudaries (9/2) coming home a length to the good under a determined Harry Cobden. Kept towards the back, Grain d’Oudaries was ridden patiently throughout, biding his time before making a move over the third-last obstacle. Rounding the turn in slick fashion, Grain d’Oudaries looked to be travelling best of all with two to jump, and after a couple of nimble leaps put him clear of Obsessedwithyou (4/1), the 10-year-old veteran stayed on bravely to score, providing a first UK winner in the JP McManus silks for new retained rider Harry Cobden!
Race 5 – Classic Additions Handicap Chase (Class 5, 5yo+, 3m)
A horse in fine fettle last season, Special John (3/1F) continued in the same vein when successful in Race 5, jumping boldly on his way to a 3 ¾ length victory for Matt Griffiths and Sam Thomas. Initially in rear, it didn’t take long for Special John to find his way into the lead, taking over at the third fence with Cahier’s Den (7/2) for company. Stretching his lead by a couple of lengths, Special John made a bold move over four out, kicking on as many in behind came under pressure. Soon well clear, it was a fairly simple task for Special John in the straight, sailing over the last and extending away in the closing stages to provide Matt Griffiths with a first win under rules since the 2020-21 season!
Race 6 – Ladies Day On Saturday 23rd May Novices’ Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 4, 5yo+, 2m 1 ½f)
A dramatic finale went the way of the locally trained King Ulanda (9/1) to round off Family Fun Day, the chasing debutant running out a sensational 23-length victor for Toby Wynne and Greenall-Guerriero Racing. With the field reduced to three by halfway, King Ulanda had a much easier time of things in the final race of the day, jumping well and keeping tabs on his two rivals. Despite a slip at three out, King Ulanda moved with menace through the final half mile, and after taking over around the turn, the new leader was far too good in the end, readily landing a 4th course victory of 2026 for his rider!
Race report by Adam Perkins
