Cheshire trainer Donald McCain is going full tilt at today's #RedRumDay at Carlisle with runners in six of the seven races on the card.

Highlight of a meeting, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the legendary horse's final visit to Carlisle is the penultimate race, the 5.0 News & Star Windermere Handicap Chase over an extended three miles.

This is the race triple Grand National hero Red Rum won in 1972, 1973 and 1976.

McCain saddles the youngest horse in the race, seven-year-old Askamore Darsi, who won at Market Rasen, Doncaster and Sedgefield last season and looks well handicapped.

Brampton trainer Maurice Barnes, who rode Rubstic to Grand National glory in 1979, sends out Carrigdhoun, who has a course victory to his name back in October, 2013.

Topweight and probable hot favourite is Three Faces West from the all-powerful Philip Hobbs yard.

The eight-year-old has never been out of the money in his eight races to date and rattled up a hat-trick, including an event here, early last year.

As part of the #RedRumDay fun anyone born in 1976, and celebrating their 40th birthday this year, will gain FREE entry.

And there will also be a free red fizz cocktail for anyone who wears red on the day.

Geraldine McKay, Carlisle Racecourse’s General Manager, said: “It is incredibly fitting to have so many Grand National connections here at Carlisle on Red Rum Day – our opening National Hunt meeting of the season.

“Rummy raced here so often in the 1970s because the course is a real test and that is why it is a favourite with so many trainers who have gone on to claim the National.

"That is reflected in the fact so many have entered runners here on Thursday.

“We are delighted to welcome the McCain family as our guests of honour on the day and the fact they have entered so many horses is testament to their long association and continued love of Carlisle racecourse.

“We also have a number of trainers bringing horses from the south, which again shows the high regard they have for Carlisle.

"This is shaping up to be a cracking day of jumps racing and we cannot wait for the first race!”