The racing world mourns the loss of Noble Yeats, the unlikely hero who captured the Grand National in 2022. The eleven-year-old gelding, a 50-1 longshot, passed away this week after a courageous battle with colic, leaving a void in the hearts of those who witnessed his stunning victory.
Noble Yeats spent his retirement peacefully at a stud farm in Oxfordshire, enjoying the company of fellow champions like Long Run and Oscar Time. But on Wednesday, a sudden discomfort signaled a grave issue, prompting a long night of intensive veterinary care. Despite their best efforts, the decision was made to ease his suffering.
Owner Robert Waley-Cohen described the scene as “grim,” remembering the horse’s initial distress. He spoke of the incredible joy Noble Yeats brought, not just with his National win, but in the days and months that followed. The memories of that Aintree triumph, he said, were simply “unbelievable.”
That victory held a particularly poignant meaning for the Waley-Cohen family. It was a dream realized, amplified by the fact that Robert’s son, Sam, was in the saddle. It was also Sam Waley-Cohen’s final ride, a perfect and emotional bookend to his amateur racing career.
Sam Waley-Cohen himself paid tribute, acknowledging Noble Yeats as the horse who “gave us one of the great days of our lives.” He described the gelding as a truly special animal, one whose inner brilliance far exceeded his unassuming appearance.
Many remarked on Noble Yeats’ humble looks – often described as resembling a “shaggy pony” – a stark contrast to the champion he revealed himself to be on the track. He possessed an ability to transform, growing into a formidable competitor when the pressure was highest.
Though his later appearances didn’t replicate the glory of 2022 – a fourth-place finish in 2023 and a 19th-place run in 2024 – Noble Yeats continued to compete with heart. His final race came in the 2024 Savills Hurdle, after which arthritis prompted his well-deserved retirement.
The Waley-Cohen family intends to honor Noble Yeats’ memory with a lasting tribute. They plan to plant a tree atop his ashes on their family farm near Banbury, ensuring his spirit continues to watch over the land he loved.
