Noble Yeats has died at the age of 11 after suffering from colic
Grand National champion Noble Yeats has died four years after his memorable victory at Aintree. The 11-year-old died following a bout of colic.
Noble Yeats was enjoying his retirement at his owner's stud farm in Oxfordshire when the condition became apparent on Wednesday, April 15. Despite receiving treatment throughout the night, vets were unable to save him, and the difficult decision was taken to put him down on Thursday, April 16.
The horse's finest hour came at the 2022 Grand National when, as a 50-1 outsider, he stormed to victory for the Waley-Cohen family under trainer Emmet Mullins. Sam Waley-Cohen was in the saddle, proudly wearing the colours of his father, Robert.
Robert Waley-Cohen said: "He looked very uncomfortable on Wednesday so the vet came out and everybody was up all night treating him and hoping he would pull through, but unfortunately he went the other way. It was a grim moment.
"He was living the life of a retired horse in the field with Long Run [Gold Cup winner] and Oscar Time [2011 Grand National runner-up].", reports the Mirror.
"He was enormous fun at the National and afterwards. The memories of the National are unbelievable – you could not have a better day. It's the dream of a lifetime to win the National, and to win it with your son made it even more special. It was Sam's last ride too after he announced on the Thursday that he was going to retire after the National.
"He gave us one of the great days of our lives and fulfilled our dreams," said former jockey, Sam. "He was brilliant for us and was one of those special horses.
"His ability outstripped his looks," he added. "He looked like a shaggy pony when he came into the paddock, but suddenly in the race he grew into a great champion. He looked like a pauper amongst princes but turned out to be a prince himself."
After his remarkable Grand National triumph, Noble Yeats secured fourth place behind Corach Rambler at the festival before struggling when I Am Maximus claimed his initial win.
However, there were notable triumphs in the 2022 Many Clouds Chase at Aintree and the 2024 Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Noble Yeats' last outing occurred when he was pulled up in the 2024 Savills Hurdle at Leopardstown. Arthritis forced his retirement following this race.
The Waley-Cohens plan to plant a tree above Noble Yeats' ashes as a lasting tribute at the family's farm near Banbury, reports indicate.
