The Grand National, one of the most famous and challenging steeplechases in the world, has seen many horses etch their names into history.
Among them was Highland Wedding, who triumphed in the 1969 edition at Aintree.
While not considered a favourite by many leading up to the race, Highland Wedding proved to be a tough competitor, surprising both the public and racing experts.
His victory stands out for its sheer determination and the endurance he displayed over the gruelling course.
The Early Days
Bred by John Caldwell at Ayrshire, and sired from Question out of Princess, Highland Wedding was owned by American sportsman Thomas Hall McKoy and Canadian Charles Burns.
He was trained by Toby Balding, one of the few trainers who won the Grand National, the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Champion Hurdle.
Incidentally, the love of horse racing continued through the generations with his niece, Clare Balding, a prominent UK TV racing presenter and his nephew, Andrew Balding, also a well-known trainer in his own right.
Balding first saw Highland Wedding on television and bought him for a client from his friend and neighbour Peter Calver.
After being sold on to McKoy and Burns, Highland Wedding’s potential for the National was first seen in February 1966 when he rode to victory at the Eider Chase at Newcastle by twenty lengths, under Owen McNally who was to become his regular rider.
This win put him as third favourite for the National, and of the forty-seven runners in the 1966 renewal, he was in quite a strong position at the second Becher’s, but was soon outpaced.
The race went to Anglo with Highland Wedding skipping the 1967 race, which was won by the now legendary Foinavon.
On his second attempt in 1968, he went off as an 18/1 shot, but a win was not on the cards, as Red Alligator took the victory, with Highland Wedding finishing in seventh place.
1969 Grand National
At this point, many would have given up on Highland Wedding, especially given that he was now twelve years old.
But surprisingly, he set off as the 100-9 third favourite, probably due to the fact that punters recognised that he had experience over the course.
He was also in great form, having won three previous races and was the only horse to represent the Toby Balding yard, which had just won the Topham Trophy with Dozo.
To top off these credentials, he had had a third success at the Eider Chase, a four-mile race that proves any horse’s stamina, and he was back at the National carrying ten pounds less than the previous year.
Showing some restraint in the first circuit of the course, himself and rider Eddie Harty; who had stepped in to cover for McNally due to a fractured elbow; really went for it at the second Becher’s where they drew level with the leaders of the race.
The course commentator said he was a faller but he never came anywhere close to falling, and was in the front at the Canal Turn.
He was in the lead from then and kept on drawing steadily ahead, winning by twelve lengths from Steel Bridge.
Unfortunately for his co-owner Charles Burns, he wore the Canadian colours in the two years when he lost the race and the American colours in the year of his victory!
Reaction
The reaction to Highland Wedding’s victory was one of jubilation among his connections and supporters. The win also gave Harty, a former Olympic rider, his seventh National ride and first National win.
Fans and commentators praised Highland Wedding's performance as a blend of experience and tenacity that paid off on such an important day.
His win also sparked discussions about age in horse racing; many noted that his success at twelve years old inspired other older horses competing in various events.
In terms of betting odds, Highland Wedding started at 100/9, making him a moderately favoured horse among punters. The aftermath of this Grand National saw Highland Wedding celebrated not only as a champion but also as part of racing history.
His win contributed to discussions about how older horses can still compete effectively against younger rivals – a topic that continues to resonate within equestrian circles today.
Conclusion
Highland Wedding’s triumph in the 1969 Grand National remains a cherished memory for racing fans and serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of horse racing.
His journey from earlier attempts at Aintree to finally claiming victory is emblematic of perseverance and skill. This is also why it’s a good idea to look at horses that have previously run in the race but not won it when whittling down your selections for one to back.
Victories like Highland Wedding’s are what make races like the Grand National so captivating.
They remind us that every horse has its day; sometimes, it just takes experience and determination to seize it when it counts most.
