Faithful Guardian Racehorse Share With Grand National Trainer Donald McCain

Racehorse ownership can appear out of reach for many supporters, but Always Trying Racing Syndicate is offering a much cheaper way to become involved with a named horse.

Faithful Guardian, a four-year-old chestnut gelding trained by Donald McCain, is being promoted through a £75 annual membership. For racing fans who want regular updates, stable visits and the chance to attend race days without taking on the cost of a large share, it is an appealing entry point.

A Young Horse With Time on His Side

Faithful Guardian was foaled on 14 January 2022 and is by Australia, the Derby winner, out of Miss Oria, a daughter of Make Believe. He is still at an early stage of his racing career, with much of his future expected to be in National Hunt racing.

He began his career with Alan King and made a promising start when finishing second in a bumper at Ludlow in November 2025. He was then given a much tougher task in Listed company at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day.

Since joining Donald McCain, he has continued to gain experience. Faithful Guardian finished third in a Worcester bumper in May before moving into races over jumps. His first attempt at Worcester in July ended with a sixth-place finish, but he improved on that when finishing third at the same course later in the month.

His record currently stands at five starts, with one second and two third-place finishes. He is still seeking his first victory, but three placings from five outings provide a sound base for a young horse who should learn more as he gains experience.

Trained by Donald McCain

The name Donald McCain gives this membership added interest.

McCain is based at Bankhouse in Cheshire and has trained more than 1,000 winners since taking over the licence from his father, Ginger McCain, in 2006. The family name will always be linked with Aintree, largely because Ginger trained Red Rum to three Grand National victories and Amberleigh House to win the race in 2004.

Donald added his own name to the Grand National roll of honour in 2011 when Ballabriggs won under Jason Maguire. He has also trained several major Cheltenham Festival winners, including Peddlers Cross, Cinders And Ashes and Whiteoak.

Faithful Guardian is therefore in the care of a trainer with vast experience of preparing young jump horses. McCain understands the type of horse needed for northern tracks, winter racing and, in time, races over fences.

That does not mean success is certain. No trainer or syndicate can promise winners. However, it is reassuring for members to know that their horse is based with a stable that has enjoyed success at the highest level.

What Does the £75 Membership Include?

The Faithful Guardian membership costs £75 for 12 months. Always Trying says the offer is limited to 1,000 members.

Members receive an official welcome pack, membership card, share certificate, signed framed photograph and an exclusive gift. The package also includes regular updates during the season and two stable visits each year.

Members can register their interest in attending when Faithful Guardian is declared to race. Owners’ badges are limited at many meetings, so Always Trying uses a ballot when demand is higher than the number of places available.

A Low-Cost Way to Feel Involved

The main selling point is simple. £75 covers a full year and gives members a close link with one horse at a well-known racing yard.

As this is a membership shared between up to 1,000 people, buyers should read the terms carefully to understand exactly what is included. However, it offers many of the parts that racing fans value most: updates from the stable, visits to the yard, possible race-day access and the chance to follow one horse from run to run.

It may suit someone who has often thought about racehorse ownership but has been put off by training fees, veterinary bills and other costs. It could also make a great gift for a racing fan.

A Horse Worth Following

Faithful Guardian is not being sold as a finished star. He is a young horse who has shown promise, gained useful racing experience and already finished in the first three on three occasions.

His recent third at Worcester was another positive step, and his future may become clearer as Donald McCain learns more about his best distance, ground and racing style.

For £75 per year, Always Trying is giving members the chance to follow that progress from inside the syndicate. With a Grand National-winning trainer, a well-bred young horse and several ownership benefits included, Faithful Guardian looks like one of the more affordable ways to become involved in British racing.

Membership prices, benefits and availability can change, so check the full details and terms with Always Trying Racing Syndicate before joining.