At the 1969 Grand National, a veteran came out on top, with Highland Wedding claiming the prize. Run on unusually fast ground, officially described as firm by the clerk of the course, it was quick, and 14 runners finished the race, with Highland Wedding leading them home by 12 lengths.
He was ridden by Eddie Harty, his one and only Grand National winner, and trained by Toby Balding, the first of two wins for him in the race. His other came 20 years later with a horse called Little Polveir.
It was third time lucky for the winner, who, at 12 years old, was likely having his last attempt at the race. Previously, he got round on both occasions, finishing 7th in 1968 and 8th in 1966, so he clearly handled the test of Aintree and the Grand National very well.
Red Alligator Unable to Follow Up 1968 Win
A year prior to this race, Red Alligator claimed the 1968 Grand National and came here looking to win back-to-back titles.
Third in 1967, then a 20-length winner in 1968, he clearly loved the race. He was backed into favouritism quite strongly before the start of the 1969 race, with many punters thinking he could make it two in a row with another good run.
Still in contention, he fell at the 19th fence and went out of the race. He was still in contention at the time and probably would have gone close had he stayed on his feet.
Results
| Result | Horse | Starting Price | Age | Handicap | Prize Money | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Highland Wedding | 100/9 | 12 | 10-4 | £17849 | Eddie Harty | G B ‘Toby’ Balding |
| 2 | Steel Bridge | 50/1 | 11 | 10-00 | £5417 | Richard Pitman | R A Lockhart-Smith |
| 3 | Rondetto | 25/1 | 13 | 10-6 | £2621 | Jeff King | Bob Turnell |
| 4 | The Beeches | 100/6 | 9 | 10-1 | £1310 | Bill Rees | Bob Turnell |
| 5 | Bassnet | 100/8 | 10 | 10-12 | - | Josh Gifford | Henry Ryan Price |
| 6 | Arcturus | 100/6 | 8 | 11-4 | - | Pat Buckley | Neville Franklin Crump |
| 7 | Fort Sun | 28/1 | 8 | 10-4 | - | John Crowley | Unknown |
| 8 | Kellsboro' Wood | 66/1 | 9 | 10-10 | - | Andy Turnell | D Ancil |
| 9 | Furore II | 20/1 | 8 | 10-00 | - | Macer Gifford | A S Kilpatrick |
| 10 | Miss Hunter | 50/1 | 8 | 10-00 | - | Francis Shortt | Unknown |
| 11 | The Fossa | 33/1 | 12 | 10-9 | - | Andrew Parker Bowles | Fulke T Walwyn |
| 12 | Limeburner | 66/1 | 8 | 10-00 | - | John Buckingham | Bob Turnell |
| 13 | Castle Falls | 66/1 | 12 | 10-00 | - | Stan Hayhurst | W Hall |
| 14 | Limetra | 50/1 | 11 | 10-9 | - | Paddy Broderick | H Lane |