In September 2024, the racing world bid farewell to one of its beloved champions, Bindaree, who passed away at the age of 30.
Bindaree will always be remembered for his stunning victory in the 2002 Grand National.
His success not only elevated him to legendary status but also saved the career of his trainer, Nigel Twiston-Davies, during a pivotal moment in his life.
The 2002 Grand National Triumph
On April 6, 2002, Bindaree lined up at Aintree Racecourse as a 20/1 shot, relatively unfancied by bookmakers.
Ridden by jockey Jim Culloty, the eight-year-old faced a field of 40 competitors in what is widely regarded as the most unpredictable race in the sport.
Bindaree’s performance that day turned out to be one of the most memorable in the history of the Grand National.
The race itself was a dramatic affair. Bindaree took the lead at the iconic Becher’s Brook during the second circuit, a position few expected him to hold.
The race then saw Bindaree facing multiple challenges, including a loose horse that threatened his chances at the Canal Turn.
But the real challenge came after the final fence when he was overtaken by What’s Up Boys, a horse ridden by Richard Johnson and one of the favourites to win.
As What’s Up Boys surged three lengths ahead, it seemed Bindaree’s chances of victory were fading.
However, in a final, determined effort, Culloty switched Bindaree to the inside, navigating the famous ‘Elbow’ on the course.
What followed was a heart-stopping finish, with Bindaree clawing his way back to the front in the last hundred yards.
He crossed the line 1¾ lengths ahead, securing one of the most thrilling comebacks in the race’s long history.
This win not only earned Bindaree a place in the annals of Grand National champions but also placed Culloty in the elite club of jockeys who had won both the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National in the same season.
A Lifesaving Victory for Nigel Twiston-Davies
For trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, Bindaree’s Grand National victory was far more than just another race.
Facing a difficult season and financial struggles, Twiston-Davies had considered retiring from the sport if Bindaree didn’t come through in the Grand National.
His career was on the line, and he had everything riding on this one race.
The victory not only provided a lifeline for Twiston-Davies but also rejuvenated his career. It marked his second Grand National win, his first being in 1998 with Earth Summit.
Reflecting on the significance of the win, Twiston-Davies said, “He [Bindaree] is the horse who stopped me from retiring, and none of all this would be happening now if it weren’t for him.”
Bindaree’s win was not just a personal triumph for Twiston-Davies; it was a moment that altered the trajectory of his professional life, allowing him to continue training and achieve further success in the racing world.
Continued Success in the Welsh National
Following his 2002 Grand National victory, Bindaree continued to prove his mettle on the racecourse.
In 2003, he added another notable achievement to his career by winning the Welsh National at Chepstow Racecourse, a race known for its demanding conditions and gruelling length.
Winning the Welsh National cemented Bindaree’s reputation as not just a one-race wonder but a versatile and durable steeplechaser.
What made Bindaree’s Welsh National win even more remarkable was that he carried top weight throughout the race, a significant handicap in a race of such endurance.
Despite this challenge, he displayed the same grit and determination that had brought him victory at Aintree.
His ability to handle harsh conditions and carry weight marked him as a genuinely exceptional racehorse.
A Legacy Remembered
Bindaree’s passing at the age of 30 marks the end of an era for the Twiston-Davies family and the wider racing community.
His death was announced by Sam Twiston-Davies, son of Nigel, who had always felt a deep connection with the horse that had saved his father’s career.
In retirement, Bindaree lived in comfort, his longevity a testament to the excellent care he received throughout his life.
His passing was met with an outpouring of tributes from across the racing world. Trainers, jockeys, and fans shared their memories of the horse, particularly recalling the thrilling moments of his 2002 Grand National win.
Nigel Twiston-Davies paid an emotional tribute to Bindaree, calling him “the horse who saved me” and reflecting on the immense impact the horse had, not only on his career but on the sport as a whole.
Bindaree’s fighting spirit, both on and off the track, inspired many and will be remembered for years to come.
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Conclusion
Bindaree’s journey from an overlooked 20/1 shot to Grand National champion is the stuff of legend.
His thrilling victories, both at Aintree and Chepstow, demonstrated his exceptional talent, determination, and heart.
For Nigel Twiston-Davies, Bindaree was much more than just a successful racehorse – he was the horse that kept his career alive.
As we reflect on Bindaree’s legacy, we celebrate not only his achievements on the racecourse but also the profound impact he had on those who worked with him and followed his career.
Bindaree’s story will continue to be told in racing circles for generations, his name forever etched in the rich history of horse racing.
