The horse who saved the Twiston-Davies legacy - tributes paid to Grand National hero Bindaree after death at 30

Bindaree, winner of the 2002 Grand National and the horse to whom three members of the Twiston-Davies family owe their careers, died on Friday morning at the age of 30.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, who trained Bindaree, was considering his options before the doughty stayer conquered Aintree, denying What's Up Boys by a length and three-quarters.

A change of career was a definite possibility after his tally of winners had slumped in the previous two years and it was Bindaree who sparked a revival by putting him back on the big-race map. 

A second National triumph for Twiston-Davies – four years after Earth Summit – was followed by a host of major successes, including with 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander, Bristol De Mai and The New One. 

Bindaree (green) at the last with What's Up Boys in the 2002 Grand NationalCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

“It’s not just me who owes Bindaree so much,” Twiston-Davies said. “We were on the verge of quitting. If we had done, there’s a real chance that my sons Sam and Willy wouldn’t have had the opportunities to achieve what they have done.”

The 2003 Welsh National also featured among Bindaree’s nine victories from 40 starts.

“He was a very good horse,” Twiston-Davies said. “He always kept a bit back for himself, and that’s probably why he lived for so long. He was a character, but not the sort who wanted to cuddle you. I remember watching the Grand National with Philip Hobbs, who trained What’s Up Boys. Bindaree was headed at the last by What’s Up Boys but fought back. It was a great race."

Bindaree remained at Grange Hill Farm after his retirement. “He was with us right to the very end,” Twiston-Davies added. “He was here for 25 years. We shall all miss him.”

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