The racing world paid tribute to Eddie Harty on Wednesday, who died at the age of 88.
Harty was part of a significant racing family, but managed to separate himself for a specific place in history. Having ridden in equestrian events at the 1960 Olympics, he became the first Olympian to ride a winner of the Grand National when he did so aboard Highland Wedding in 1969.
The family remain heavily involved in racing. Eddie’s son, also named Eddie, holds a joint training licence with Eddie Sr’s grandson Patrick. The pair train out of the Curragh in County Kildare.
Harty distinguished among racing dynasty
Both Harty’s father and grandfather were involved in racing. However, carving his own path within the same disciplines proved Harty’s speciality.
In 1960, he represented Ireland in the equestrian eventing discipline at the Rome Olympics. However, his biggest day in the saddle would occur in the greatest equine and human test of all.
Aged 31, he guided the 12-year-old Highland Wedding to success in the 1969 Grand National. The race was significant for being the first renewal of Aintree’s great race to be broadcast in colour. As a result, viewers could witness Harty’s blue silks, white sleeves and red cap being carried to glory.
That had been a chance ride for Harty. Highland Wedding’s regular jockey Owen McNally had been ruled out of the mount due to a broken elbow in a fall. However, there was no fluke about Harty’s record at Aintree, as he also rode two winners of the Topham Chase over the National fences.
Eddie Harty Jr: “It’s uncanny”
Statements were released by both Harty Racing on social media and Eddie Harty Jr himself.
Eddie Harty Sr dies just days after his wife Patricia, with Harty Jr processing their losses with distinct grace.
“It’s uncanny that he died so quickly after Mum. They were inseparable. My wife’s sister Valerie said it was the most romantic thing she had ever heard that he went so quickly after her. His heart was broken.”
Of his father, Harty Jr is undoubtedly proud of his achievements.
“He did an awful lot in his life and he never let us forget it! He did a lot for the industry, too, which a lot of people might not have known about. It was probably a bit unsung but he did so much for the industry.
“The one thing Dad always wanted to be was remembered for doing things for the industry and I think he can rest in peace knowing he did that.”