THE racecourse stables made famous by Red Rum's trainer Ginger McCain came up trumps at the opening fixture of 2009 at Uttoxeter Racecourse last Saturday.

Ginger's son Donald now runs the Cheshire stables. And two victories came his way in the first racing at the Staffordshire track for two months.

Pelican Point (3-1) won the opening race, the Bells Mares' Novices' Hurdle, before regular jockey Jason Maguire landed the Executive Hire News Handicap Hurdle with 5-2 favourite Youngstown.

Favourite Mr Big (11-4) provided jockey Kevin Tobin with a fairytale last ride after winning the Wisedale Brothers Handicap Chase. Supreme Leisure (12-1) claimed a first victory in three years in the Weatherbys Bloodstock Insurance Novices' Handicap Chase, and the 11-4 favourite Anglicisme took the Executive Hire Show Selling Hurdle.

The closing Banner Marquees Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race went the way of debutant Benbane Head at 3-1.

The next racing at Uttoxeter Racecourse is on Saturday, February 14. For information visit www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk.