Donald McCain is far too cautious a man to start trumpeting targets but, in his private moments, he had begun to contemplate his chances of training 50 winners before Christmas. With 47 banked, he might well have done it but for the untimely freeze-up.

Is there a more remarkable story in racing than that of McCain? Halfway through his fourth season with a licence, he is already past 200 winners. A dizzy recent run has brought him 29 since the start of November - and a third of his string has yet to run this season.

Other sons of famous trainers had it relatively easy in their inheritance, the principal problem being to avoid ruining an already high-flying operation. McCain, however, took over from a father legendary for four Grand National winners but, otherwise, a collector of mediocre horses he often ended up owning.

“Three years ago, there were fewer than 50 horses here - and most of them were Dad's,” McCain reflects. He is now full to his capacity of 127, a rapid expansion achieved in a deepening recession and the relatively unfashionable racing territory of Cheshire.

Novices such as Alegralil, Any Given Day and Peddlers Cross have advertised their potential but McCain has won a stack of races with the more moderate of his stock. Whiteoak, who heads for the Long Walk Hurdle, Cloudy Lane in the Lexus Chase and Will Be Done are the likeliest providers of the high-profile winners he needs next.

Rightly, though, there is already a sense of achievement that stretches through to dear old Ginger, still active in keeping the gallops in shape. His son would not even whisper it himself but 100 winners this season is a distinct possibility.